Africa Press Freedom Report 2009

MAKING PRESS FREEDOM A COMMON GOOD IN AFRICA!

Press freedom is still in danger in Africa despite 20 years of democratisation. Independent journalism continues to be a perilous profession on the continent, both in the peaceful arena as well as in conflict zones.

In peaceful zones, governments, politicians, economic and religious groups still see the media and journalists as impostors who have no business in reporting critical issues. The media is still not yet seen as common good, a prerequisite and oxygen for democracy. Some governments and social groups would not create a conducive environment to strengthen the independent media and journalism.  They would not want some of their activities to be reported by independent journalists. Hence independent journalists in exercising their right to inform and educate the masses, often find themselves in conflict with these key players. This state of affairs has had a negative effect on investigative journalism. 

In conflict zones of Somalia, Sudan, DRC, and others, journalists are often seen as part of the different factions and consequently treated accordingly. At the war front, too often journalists are erroneously suspected as being spies or working for the enemy.  During instances of civil unrest such as demonstrations or strikes, that took place in Madagascar, Guinea, Niger, journalists are sometimes wrongly judged as sympathising with the government, or seen by government security agents as collaborating with the demonstrators. Harassment, intimidation, detentions and imprisonment are quotidian in some countries like The Gambia, which are not classified under conflict zones but make life for journalists and media workers unbearable and dangerous. Thus, too often journalists are easily targeted for the wrong reasons while covering events.

Despite the commitments that the African Union (AU) has proclaimed on freedoms and human rights through its main instruments and institutions, very few countries on the continent have integrated the independent media sector as institution in the society.  The Declaration of Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa adopted in 2002 by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) is still not yet implemented. The recommendations of the ACHPR’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information are ignored by most AU member states. The African people are yet to enjoy better support and recognition of the principles of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

There is no doubt that this report on the state of press freedom in 2009 in Africa should serve as a “wake up” call to the African Union, its institutions, the member states and governments on the need to integrate in their Peer Review Mechanism, the principles of freedom of expression, press freedom and media development as important quantifiers of the level and quality of democracy and development in Africa.

The IFJ-Africa and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) have decided to embark on this yearly exercise in order to improve the state of freedom of expression on the continent and to allow African citizens to open up and participate fully and effectively in decision making and in public affairs. This is one of the best ways to achieve sustainable and integrated development. 

Gabriel Baglo, 
IFJ Africa Director

FAJ Executive Director

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