Stakeholders Advocate Legal Reforms To Review Laws Restricting Press Freedom By African Govts

By Joseph Edegbo 

Participants at the 2024 Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture organized by the Africa Media Development Foundation, AMDF, have advocated the review and amend, laws that restrict press freedom, such as defamation, anti-terrorism and media regulations by governments in Africa.

This is aimed at decriminalizing journalism, protect journalists’ rights and promoting freedom of expression.

In a Communique after their virtual lecture, the participants drawn from the media, the academia, CSOs and discussants who are also journalists from Kenya, South Sudan and Somalia, decried different forms of restrictions and censorship impeding on the freedom of journalism practice in Africa,

Improving press freedom in African countries, the Communique said, requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders including governments, CSOs media and the international community.

The Communique stressed the need for legal support by engaging Senior Advocate Pro-Bono to stand for African journalists in the face of threat in their line of duty.

The Communique which was signed by Kouan Joel Honore, Africa News Correspondent, Cameroon, Mohamed Mohamud Abdiof, Manager Somali Light Tv Somalia and Sekyen Dadik, Executive Director, Africa Media Development Foundation, Nigeria, further recommends:-

Collaboration and Advocacy: To strengthen efforts to protect press freedom there should be a strong collaboration between Civil Society Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Journalists and Media Organizations in advocating for press freedom, monitoring violations, and raising awareness about the importance of a free press.

Also, providing legal support by engaging Senior Advocates Pro-Bono to stand for African journalists in the face of threats in their line of duty. This will go a long way in curbing the excesses of those in the corridor of power.

Legislators who are pro-people and pro-democracy should be identified and leveraged to support press friendly laws.

*Journalist Safety Nets:* Non-Governmental Organizations and Media Development organizations should support the establishment of safety nets for journalists, including emergency funds, and psychological counselling, to support journalists facing threats, harassment, or imprisonment for their work.

Providing insurance coverage and training on digital security to enhance journalists’ safety in high-risk environments.

*Justice Against Impunity:* To provide much-needed relief to the families of slain journalists and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria, Participants called on the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) to act on the February 16, 2024 Judgement of a Federal High Court in Abuja directing the AGF to re-open investigation and prosecution of the killings of several journalists, including James Bagauda Kaltho.

*Legal Reforms:* African Governments should review and amend laws that restrict press freedom, such as defamation laws, anti-terrorism laws, and media regulations.

Reforms should be aimed at decriminalizing journalism, protecting journalists’ rights, and promoting freedom of expression.

*Protecting Journalists:* Authorities must take concrete steps to protect journalists from harassment, intimidation, violence, and arrest. This can be done by establishing mechanisms for reporting threats, providing security training for journalists, and holding perpetrators of attacks on journalists accountable.

*Promoting Media Pluralism:* Governments should promote a diverse and independent media landscape by supporting the establishment of independent media outlets, ensuring fair access to information, and facilitating healthy competition among media organizations.

*Transparency and Accountability:* Governments should uphold transparency and accountability in governance to enable journalists to report freely on issues of public interest without fear of reprisal. This includes protecting whistle-blowers, ensuring access to government information, and fostering a culture of openness and accountability.

*International Solidarity:* The international community, including regional bodies and foreign governments, should advocate for press freedom in African countries and support local efforts to promote a free and independent media. This can include diplomatic pressure, capacity-building initiatives, and funding support for media development projects.

*Media Literacy:* Promoting media literacy among the public can help counter disinformation and propaganda, empower citizens to critically evaluate news sources, and support independent journalism. Education on media ethics and responsible reporting can also contribute to a more informed and engaged society, the Communique concludes.