The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), a network of African freedom of expression and media development organisations, has called for an end to impunity in crimes against journalists in Africa.
The network, in its resolutions issued on Tuesday, condemned arrests, kidnaps, torture, killings and all forms of violence against journalists, while calling on African leaders to evolve policies that seek the protection and safety of journalists.
The network also advised African leaders to uphold freedom of expression rights and commended some governments, which included Liberia and Ghana, for decriminalising libel and passage of the Right to Information bill, respectively.
It called for establishment of coordinated multi-stakeholder national mechanisms to guarantee the safety of journalists and other media practitioners who were the major victims.
It lamented “increasing use of network disruptions or internet shutdowns to stifle critical voices and public debates in general in various African countries, including Chad, where social media platforms have been shut down since March 28, 2018”.
“Other countries that have recently resorted to the use of network disruptions or Internet shutdowns, include: the DRC, Gabon, Sudan and Zimbabwe.
“There have also been increased reports of attacks against internet users,” it stated.
AFEX made the resolutions at its Seventh General Meeting, held in Germany and issued a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.
The statement said that the General Meeting was presided over by Mr Edetaen Ojo, Chairman of AFEX’s Steering Committee, who is also the Executive Director of Media Rights Agenda (MRA).
The statement signed by Ojo said the meeting discussed hindrances to smooth practice of journalism in Africa and proffered solutions to the existing and emerging threats, to freedom of expression and media freedom on the continent.
“The meeting also provided an opportunity for members to share experiences about the safety of journalists’ situation, in different countries and regions in Africa and how to confront widespread impunity for crimes against journalists in the respective countries or regions.
“Members of AFEX resolved to increase awareness about the need for African governments to adopt or put in place monitoring and reporting mechanisms at the national and regional levels.
“This should aim at promoting the safety of journalists’ situations on the continent and the overall improvement of the freedom of expression situation in Africa,” it stated.
At the end of the meeting, members of the network unanimously resolved to: “denounce the attacks on and violations of the rights of journalists, media practitioners and freedom of expression.
“The meeting also resolved to denounce attacks on activist groups and individuals across the continent, particularly in the Anglophone regions of Cameroon.
“It also condemned attacks on the increasing crackdown on the media and journalists working in Mozambique, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, in recent times.
“Several journalists have been arbitrarily arrested, detained, jailed or physically assaulted for exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and access to information in these countries”.
Other resolutions included condemnation of the continued detention of Mozambican journalist, Amade Abubacar, high level of impunity for crimes perpetrated against journalists and other media practitioners, resulting in an increase in freedom of expression violations on the continent.
The network demanded end to human rights violation against journalists, political activists, civil society actors and the entire population of Cameroon, urged Mozambique to immediately releases Abubacar, and insisted the government of Tanzania, investigates the disappearance of Azory.
Also urged journalists and other media professionals working across the continent to remain steadfast in the practice of journalism while ensuring professionalism at all times,” it stated.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that AFEX has 15 members, which include ADISI-Cameroon, Africa Freedom of Information Centre, Association for Media Development in South Sudan, Center for Media Studies and Peace Building.
Also included are: The Collaboration on International ICT Policy in Eastern and Southern Africa (CIPESA) and Freedom of Expression Institute.
Others are: Gambia Press Union (GPU), Human Rights Network for Journalists – Uganda and Institute for Media and Society.
The rest are: International Press Centre, Journaliste en danger, Media Foundation for West Africa, Media Institute of Southern Africa, Media Rights Agenda and West African Journalists Association.====NAN
