African Union urges governments to end impunity for attacks on journalists
The AU Commission and the Federation of African Journalists want member states to investigate attacks on media workers and prosecute those responsible. Their joint statement on Monday warned that killings, arrests and online abuse of journalists often go unpunished.
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) have called on African governments to better protect journalists. In a joint statement on Monday, they urged member states to investigate attacks, prosecute perpetrators and give victims effective remedies. The statement marked the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the Nile Post and The EastAfrican reported. The statement was signed by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and by FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman. According to the Nile Post, the two bodies said journalists across Africa still face killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests and detention. They also listed enforced disappearances, intimidation, legal harassment and digital abuse. This year's global theme is "Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures." It highlights how new technologies and weapons are changing the risks journalists face, especially in conflict zones. The statement said female journalists face particular gender-based threats and online violence. It added that reporters covering elections, armed conflict, corruption and human rights work under severe pressure. The organisations said unpunished crimes embolden attackers and silence public-interest reporting. As a result, they said, communities are denied the information they need to take part in public life. "Every journalist must be able to report without fear…
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