African Editors Urge End to Press Censorship on Freedom Day
The statement urged the Burundian government "to engage in constructive dialogue with journalists, not silence them."
NAIROBI, Kenya— The African Editors' Forum issued a stern call to African governments to end restrictions and censorship of the media in a statement released Friday for World Press Freedom Day, writes Winston Mwale.
"We see a worrying trend of shrinking media freedom in several African countries. Governments continue to impose restrictions and censorship, hindering the free flow of information," the statement said.
"Way too many African journalists have been forced into exile."
The forum, which represents editors across the continent, highlighted concerning press freedom violations in Burkina Faso and Burundi as examples.
"TAEF expresses deep concern over the Burkina Faso authorities' targeting of independent journalists. Forcing truth seekers to abandon their critical role and become soldiers on the war front is not only a violation of press freedom but a disservice to the nation," it said.
It condemned the recent arrest of journalist Sandra Muhoza in Burundi "over a comment made in a private journalists' WhatsApp group," calling it an "exemplif(ication) of the increasingly intolerant environment for independent media."
The statement urged the Burundian government "to engage in constructive dialogue with journalists, not silence them."
Other challenges highlighted included the digital divide limiting press access to technology, financial constraints on media due to limited ad revenue, misinformation eroding public trust, lack of women's representation, and safety risks like harassment and violence against journalists.
"On this World Press Freedom Day, let us recommit to building a media landscape in Africa that is truly free, independent, and empowers all voices," TAEF President Churchill Otieno said in the statement.
"A strong, vibrant media is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy."