By Alieu Ceesay
As the world commemorates Press Freedom Day, African human rights commissioners are sounding the alarm over escalating threats to journalists across the continent, from legal harassment and digital censorship to abductions and unlawful detentions.
In a unified call for action, they underscore the critical role of press freedom in fostering democracy and good governance while acknowledging that more must be done to translate resolutions into tangible protections.
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) has advocated for media freedom, notably through its 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
The declaration emphasizes the media’s role in promoting the free flow of information, enabling informed decision-making, and strengthening democratic systems. However, Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo, the ACHPR’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information warns that press freedom remains under siege in many African states, particularly in conflict-ridden and authoritarian regimes.
“Press freedom in Africa is seriously undermined in many states with many journalists being unlawfully detained, harassed both online and offline, denied the protection of the law, as well as killed in some cases,” Topsy-Sonoo said in a statement marking World Press Day. She condemned reports of arrests, convictions, and abductions of journalists, often perpetrated by military or intelligence services, as well as the banning or withdrawal of media licenses. These actions, she noted, violate international human rights standards and are unjustifiable in democratic societies.
Naji Moulay Lahsen, Chairperson of the Network of the Independent Commission for Human Rights in North Africa and a member of the support committee to the ACHPR, called for stronger collaboration among governments, NGOs, and civil society to safeguard journalists. “We’re calling on stakeholders, NGOs, and civil society organizations in Africa to support the freedom of expression and journalists,” Lahsen said. He proposed the creation of shadow reports to document threats against journalists, which would be submitted to the ACHPR for action.
The ACHPR has taken steps to address these violations, including issuing resolutions condemning specific and widespread attacks on press freedom and sending Letters of Appeal to governments. These interventions demand clarification on reported abuses and urge states to remedy violations. Topsy-Sonoo emphasized that states primarily protect human rights, including freedom of expression. She also highlighted the role of civil society in reporting violations, which enables the Commission to issue targeted interventions and, in some cases, public press releases.
Nyasha Mpani, Project Leader at the Institute of Justice and Reconciliation in Cape Town, praised journalists for their courage in facing adversity. “Journalism is not a crime,” Mpani declared, urging the ACHPR to issue stronger condemnations of press freedom violations. He encouraged journalists to persevere despite the risks, recognizing their vital role in holding power to account.
Despite progress, such as adopting the 2019 Declaration and resolutions on journalist safety, the commissioners acknowledge that enforcement remains a challenge. Reports of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and killings continue to surface, undermining efforts to create a safe environment for media professionals. The ACHPR’s World Press Day statement unreservedly condemned these violations, calling for accountability and robust protections.
