Reflections on World Press Freedom Day

This week as we mark World Press Freedom Day one should look back at the progress and regressions seen in regards to press freedom on the continent. A report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) indicates that five of the world’s top 10 backsliders in press freedom come from Africa. Top on the list is Ethiopia, where according to the CPJ the government has launched a massive crackdown on the private press by shutting newspapers and jailing editors. Also appearing in the top ten are the Gambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Morocco and Egypt.

Ironically, these nations at some point have shown promises in transition towards democracy but continue to grapple with the issue of guaranteeing freedom of speech. Often the case arises from the difficulties of distinguishing criticism and dissent. Incumbents are often compelled to try to reign in those voices which they deem to be too critical or at times anti-government. As pressures mount towards reigning in the media reporters are forced to flee or to resort towards anonymity fearing backlashes. Of course all this does go without saying that at times gaps could be witnessed in regards to reporting but penalties and fines should be equivalent to the offence. Jail terms, hefty fines and even the possibility of capital punishment should ring alarm bells across the world. The basis of development lies in the fact that people have the option of seeing differing views. Differing views should not be seen as dissent but rather as opportunities to start dialogue and debates on the future of society as well as a nation.

The past few years have been trying times for the media in Africa with elections, conflicts, controversial referendums and others that in many incidents pitted the media against governments. Media in Africa to date has not succeeded in organizing themselves on a continental scale. Unlike other press from the rest of the world African media organizations have not really stood together to fight against all forms of press intimidation. A concerted effort whereby media with progressive media practices can help those national presses, which have not developed. Help here would be in terms of organizations, advocacy, best practices as well as the nature of press laws.
The lack of a united front and fragmentation of media do provide opportune conditions for the press to be isolated. The AU too can play a role here being the continental governing body pressure could be used for member states to cut back on press restriction and abide to the treaties and agreements in regards to freedom of expression and human rights which they have signed into. Ironically African media has always been a fixture in the AU’s activities chronicling the achievements and failures of the continent. It is through the media that the AU reaches millions of Africans. The African Union which offers frameworks for good governance, respect for human rights and the rule of law should not continue to be on the sidelines in the fight for a free press. Failing in this task would surely reflect sorely on the record of the African Union. In fact the AU could use this opportunity to show the rest of the world its willingness and ability to do the right thing without fears of political backlash or slighting member states.

The AU stands on the threshold of importance, and the decisions its leaders take now in regards to press freedom will determine if it is to be an agent of change on the continent, or an association once again in need of reform and transformation.

The task is easy the AU should publicly hold its member states accountable. Instead on working towards damage control the AU should rather push for mechanisms that prevent abuses in the first place.

May 4, 2007