The African Union and journalists’ federation urge governments to protect media workers, tackle digital threats and bring attackers to justice.
The African Union has urged African governments to strengthen journalist safety and prosecute attacks against media workers. It warned that persistent impunity weakens press freedom and democratic accountability.
AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye and Federation of African Journalists President Omar Faruk Osman issued the joint appeal. Their statement marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, observed annually on November 2.
The officials called for concrete measures to prevent attacks, hold perpetrators accountable and provide effective remedies for victims. They also warned that unpunished crimes embolden attackers and silence public-interest reporting.
Stronger national measures for journalist safety
Adeoye and Osman urged governments to establish or strengthen national systems that protect journalists. They also called on law enforcement agencies to understand and respect the media’s role.
The statement identified journalists covering elections, protests, armed conflicts, corruption and human rights violations as particularly vulnerable. It called for protection during these assignments, as well as emergencies.
At the same time, the officials urged authorities not to use laws to intimidate journalists or obstruct legitimate reporting. Such measures must also uphold freedom of expression.
Journalists across Africa continue to face killings, physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, intimidation and digital abuse, they said. When perpetrators escape justice, communities also lose information they need to participate in public life and exercise democratic rights.
Digital threats and risks facing women
The statement highlighted changing dangers linked to new technologies and evolving weapons used against journalists covering conflicts. This year’s global theme focuses on evolving threats and enduring impunity.
Female journalists face particular risks, including gender-based threats, harassment and online violence, the officials said. They therefore urged governments to address surveillance, online harassment and technology-facilitated gender-based violence while safeguarding human rights.
Meanwhile, the AU Commission and the federation called for closer cooperation among governments, regional institutions and media organisations. They also urged journalists’ unions and civil society to help strengthen prevention, protection and accountability.
Journalists and their representative organisations should help develop and monitor safety measures, the statement added. The officials linked independent media to peace, democracy, accountability and the people-centred development envisioned in Agenda 2063.
Citing the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, they urged states to meet their human rights obligations. The charter protects freedom of expression and access to information.
