45 days and counting: Cameroon’s internet shutdown
Within the past year, the government of Cameroon has shut down the internet in its attempt to clamp down on demonstrations in English-speaking regions of the country.
Security forces kill unarmed protestors in anglophone regions of Cameroon
AFEX has denounced the brutality of Cameroon’s security forces against unarmed civilians, reportedly killing 12 people and injuring many more in the country’s English-speaking regions, as well as the government’s decision to shut down the internet for the second time this year amidst protests.
New bill could compromise independence of Somalia Media Commission
If adopted, a new law will allow the Somali government to establish a statutory media regulatory body – the Somali Media Commission – by nominating, approving and appointing its 9 members, and compromising its independence.
Pressure mounts on Cambodia a year after Kem Ley’s killing
On the one-year anniversary of the death of popular Cambodian activist Kem Ley, civil society organisations from around the world reiterated their call for an independent inquiry.
Network of African free expression groups calls for end to impunity for crimes against journalists
AFEX deplores the increasing incidents of killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrests and detentions, threats and harassment of journalists, media professionals and activists in Africa as a threat towards the enjoyment of free expression and the ultimate development of the continent.
English-speaking Cameroonians get their internet back
What could cause a government to block the internet to specific regions for three months? In Cameroon’s case, it was a conflict over the imposition of the French language in anglophone areas.
AU Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression asked to intervene in Cameroon crisis
The African Freedom of Expression Exchange has petitioned the African Union Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information to intervene in the deteriorating freedom of expression situation in the two Anglophone regions of Cameroon.
Radio station employee shot dead in Nigeria
Unidentified gunmen shot and killed Famous Giobaro on 16 April 2017 at his residence in Yenagoa, a local government area in the Bayelsa State of Nigeria.
Somaliland journalist gets 2-year sentence for “anti-national activity”
Independent journalist Abdimalik Muse Oldon was accused of allegedly making comments against Somaliland’s president while expressing support for the president of Somalia on social media.
Uganda’s glimpse of hope
2017 is turning out to be a hopeful year for Uganda, as justice is finally being served for numerous violations against journalists.
African free expression network concerned for safety of journalists in Somalia
Between 25 January and 1 April 2017, a total of 11 journalists and one media organisation have been attacked in Somalia, making it one of the most dangerous places to be a journalist in Africa.
Ethiopia, DRC & Mali: 183 killed in protests between July-December 2016
A total of 183 deaths were recorded from July to December 2016 following clashes between protestors and security agents in Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of Congo and Mali. To date, not one security agent has been prosecuted for any of the killings in the three countries.
Sierra Leone authorities arrest anti-corruption activist, confiscate passport
On 31 January 2017, anti-corruption activist Abdul Fatoma was arrested without a warrant, shortly after speaking on the radio about a national corruption scandal. Police confiscated Fatoma’s passport the following day.
39 days on, English internet still blocked in Cameroon
Internet shut down in two anglophone regions follows protests over government decision to impose French in schools and courts.