By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has called for the review and amendment of laws that restrict press freedom and media regulations by governments in Africa.
This was contained in a communique jointly signed by Kouam Joel-Honore,
Africa News Correspondent, Cameroon; Mohamed Mohamud Abdi, Manager, Somali Light TV, Somalia; and Sekyen Dadik, Executive Director, AMDF Kaduna, Nigeria. issued after the 6th Bagauda Kaltho Virtual Media Lecture Series organised by the AMDF.
The virtual lecture, had 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,
It noted that the annual lecture is in memory of James Bagauda -Kaltho, an investigative Nigerian journalist, who disappeared mysteriously in the course of his professional duties in 1996.
The reforms, they said, should be aimed at decriminalizing journalism, protecting journalists’ rights, and promoting freedom of expression.
”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.
”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 organisations,” they said.
They added that the quest for survival by some media owners who depend largely on revenue from corporate organisations continues to fuel a form of corporate censorship, which has stifled investigative reportage.
They expressed concern over censorship and state control, limiting their ability to report freely, largely due to political repression, authoritarian regimes, legal restrictions, lack of independent institutions, and cultural norms as challenges hindering press freedom.
Consequently, the participants recommended collaboration and advocacy, justice against impunity, promoting media pluralism, transparency and accountability and international solidarity to promote press freedom and protect the rights of journalists.
“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.
“Providing insurance coverage and training on digital security to enhance journalists’ safety in high-risk environments,” the communique said.
