West African Journalists Association (WAJA)

NUSOJ

Sagal Salad Osman, producer of a children’s programme, murdered in Somalia

“The perpetrators have not only deprived a family of a breadwinner but have also deprived society of a promising journalist whose activities were anchored towards youth empowerment,” said AFEX Steering Committee Chairperson, Zoé Titus.

Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni shows his manifesto to supporters during a campaign rally in Entebbe, Uganda, 10 February 2016,  REUTERS/James Akena

African free expression network calls on Museveni to safeguard free speech

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is calling on Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to protect free speech. AFEX’s petition highlights 26 incidents of freedom of expression violations that have been perpetrated with impunity in Uganda in 2016 alone.

UN General Assembly

Free expression groups call on UN to appoint Special Representative for the Safety of Journalists

34 IFEX members are supporting RSF’s initiative to create the position of a Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for the Safety of Journalists.

Uganda's incumbent President Yoweri Museveni speaks to the media soon after casting his vote at a polling station during the presidential elections in Kirihura, western Uganda, 18 February 2016, REUTERS/James Akena

Human rights violations increase as Ugandans head to polls

The media are critical for the success of every election. As Ugandans prepare to vote in the general elections on 18 February, The African Freedom of Expression Exchange calls on security agencies to protect all stakeholders, especially the media, and allow them to carry out their duties without intimidation or interference.

AFEX

African free expression groups to engage stakeholders on Internet rights and freedoms

Representatives of 19 of the most prominent freedom of expression organisations in Africa have been equipped with knowledge, skills and strategies needed to engage stakeholders on digital rights issues, following a two-day capacity building workshop organised by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange.

AFEX

African free expression groups hold digital rights advocacy workshop

Organised by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), the workshop aims to deepen participants’ knowledge of online advocacy and develop strategies to create an Internet environment that fosters innovation, information sharing and development.

REUTERS/Fabian Bimmer

Not in our name: World Press Freedom Day 116 days after Charlie Hebdo

On World Press Freedom Day, organisations from around the globe commit to defending the right to freedom of expression, even when that right is being used to express views that may be offensive.

Link to: AFEX condemns arrest of journalists covering civil society event in DRC

AFEX condemns arrest of journalists covering civil society event in DRC

“The Congolese Government must make a determined effort towards guaranteeing freedom of expression, including media freedom, and freedom of association and assembly in line with the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights in the country.”

An "On Air" red light is seen inside the Bakhita Radio station in Juba, South Sudan, 28 May 2012, REUTERS/Adriane Ohanesian

South Sudan: Sweeping powers in National Security Service Bill will undermine free expression

The proposed bill would mandate the National Security Service to monitor communications systems, newspapers and radio stations “in respect to security interest so as to prevent misuse by users.”

REUTERS/Mike Hutchings

On Right to Know Day, calls for UN to include free expression rights in development goals

More than 100 civil society organisations ask the UN Secretary General to recognise the importance of free expression rights in the sustainable development goals.

People protest outside a hospital as Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf visits the area after Ebola deaths in Monrovia, 17 June 2014., AP Photo/Jonathan Paye-Layleh, File

Access to timely, accurate information is critical to Ebola response

Media crackdowns in Liberia and Sierra Leone may be cutting off access to potentially life-saving information about Ebola.

Link to: Somali parliament urged to reject repressive media bill

Somali parliament urged to reject repressive media bill

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is appalled by the endorsement, by the Somali Council of Ministers, of a repressive media bill that severely restricts media operations and content.

© David Buffington/Spaces Images/Corbis

Somalia: Shabelle Media Network journalists held in underground prison alongside suspected terrorists

The chairman of Shabelle Media Network and the director of SkyFM have been detained in the National Intelligence and Security Agency’s underground prison, a place where suspected terrorists are being kept.

Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh attends an extraordinary meeting of the Economic Community of West African States in Dakar, 2 April 2012, REUTERS/Joe Penney

Impunity persists: 20 years of fear in The Gambia

It’s been 20 years since Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh overthrew the Gambian government and proclaimed himself President of the Republic. Some of the human rights violations recorded over the last 20 years include the killing of 14 protesters in April 2000 and the killing of journalist Deyda Hydara in 2004.

Journalists protest the imprisonment of Al Jazeera journalists Peter Greste, Mohamed Fahmy and Baher Mohamed in Egypt, outside Al Jazeera offices in Sanaa, Yemen on 25 June 2014. , REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah

Demand the release of recently sentenced Al Jazeera staff

More than 100 groups and individuals worldwide call on Egyptian President el-Sisi to remove the unjust sentencing of three Al Jazeera journalists.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay delivers an address at the 26th Council Session in Gevena, REUTERS/Denis Balibouse

Groups call on UN to protect free expression online

This week, a resolution on the importance of protecting human rights online was discussed at the 26th UN Human Rights Council Session in Geneva. Read the oral statement on this resolution led by ARTICLE 19 and supported by several IFEX members.