Africa

A study of the evolving disinformation landscape identifies key protagonists involved in the pushback and the tactics they employ to curb the escalating challenge.

Research carried out by the IPC and the MFWA indicates that the challenges faced by women journalists in doing their work include harassment, sexual advances, threats, and prejudice.

Summary of IPI Africa Press Freedom Monitoring: October 2022

The study mapped the capacity, knowledge, and needs of various stakeholders from government, civil society, private sector, and academia in relation to their work on content moderation.

This report presents a summary analysis of research on current practices of content moderation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indonesia ‘harmful content’ such as ‘hate speech ’, and Kenya, with a specific focus on and disinformation.

The guide was developed in response to the growing threat of digital surveillance and cyber security legislation, used by governments and others to track and monitor journalists in their efforts to harass and muzzle journalists from carrying out their work.

Uganda is ranked 116th out of 130 countries in the 2021 Network Readiness Index which assesses the application and impact of technology in economies around the world. Compared to her neighbours Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania, Uganda scores lowest on GSMA’s Mobile Connectivity Index, which measures key enablers of mobile internet adoption such as infrastructure, affordability, content and services.

The democratic revolution in West Africa over the past three decades has come under a strain in the past few years with serious implications for press freedom and the civic space.

While privacy has become ever more crucial in the world where digital technologies are key to livelihoods and rights, there are insufficient protections for the right to privacy in many African countries.

The internet plays a vital role in the realisation of human development and facilitates the enjoyment of several human rights and freedoms, including the right to freedom of expression and information, the right to education, the right to assembly and association. Over the last few years, Africa has experienced exponential growth in internet access spurred by mobile internet, which stood at 28% penetration in 2020.

MISA has produced this special publication to commemorate 25 years of sterling work by its Zimbabwe chapter in helping to promote access to information, in defending press freedom and developing a plural media environment to serve the needs of the public in the region.

This report focuses on the progress made regarding the state of broadcasting and digital migration in Angola, Botswana, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

Worryingly, many African countries have passed legislation that limits anonymity and the use of encryption, purportedly to aid governments’ efforts to combat terrorism and crime. Other governments limit the use of encryption to enable them to monitor the communications of critical journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition politicians.

Surveillance has become a principal threat to digital rights in Africa, a weakening force to civil society and independent voices, and ultimately a driver of authoritarianism.

Over the years, many African countries have enacted laws and adopted policies that impact on privacy, including those that facilitate surveillance and the collection of biometric data, and others that limit the use of encryption. This has facilitated increased state surveillance across the continent that is accelerating interference with various rights and freedoms.

The last six years have been extremely repressive for the media in Nigeria as impunity reached a new high under  President Muhammadu Buhari. About 300 press freedom violations including the unresolved killings of seven journalists were recorded over the period.

• Almost half of women respondents had been sexually harassed at work (47%). • Women were twice as likely to experience sexual harassment at work than men. • Only 30% of cases of sexual harassment were ever reported to management.

Most Somalis have little knowledge or say over how their sensitive biometric data is used or shared.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 further threatened the already precarious safety of journalists and media sustainability challenges in West Africa. Despite the obvious risks and challenges, journalists and other media workers navigated partial and full lockdowns to gather news about the coronavirus disease and filed reports often using unstable internet connections, to keep the public informed.

While a great number of people now use ICT for a growing range of tasks, many persons with disabilities in Africa still find it hard to access and use digital technologies. As a result, they continue to miss out on the potential digital dividends.

The fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda has dealt a blow to the promotion and preservation of human rights in the region. Moreover, the outbreak of COVID-19 could not have come at a worse time, as the countries were preparing for their respective general elections.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, various technologies have been deployed by citizens, NGOs, start-ups, private companies, universities and governments to aid the fight against COVID-19.

In a note shared by email on 12 September, MISA said journalists were prevented from covering political events by party members.

Media control in Zimbabwe bears its origins in colonial policies.

A deep split that exists within Ethiopia’s ruling coalition – the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (the EPRDF) – was made evident over the last few weeks when a Facebook row broke out between two major political party members who disagreed on the historical accounts of Ethiopia as a modern state.

Africa’s landscape of online free speech and dissent has gradually, but consistently, been tightened in recent years. In 2018 in particular, the cost of speaking out – both legally and economically – was on the rise across the continent.

Across Africa, governments and nongovernmental political actors repeatedly deploy tactics to interfere with users’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information online, particularly during events of major political significance.

Since President John Magufuli came to power in 2015, Tanzania has seen a sharp backslide in respect for basic freedoms of association and expression, undermining both media freedoms and civil society. While some restrictive trends may have predated his term, they have intensified since he became president.

Between January 2017 and January 2019, about a dozen journalists in Cameroon were arrested, intimidated or threatened by state and non-state actors in the country. This was largely as a result of ongoing unrests in the country’s Anglophone regions who have accused the government of discrimination with regard to state policies and infrastructure.

The Press Freedom Index Uganda report, recently launched by the Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), examines the state of press freedom in the country over the past year.

MISA Zimbabwe produces a regional assessment on the state of digital rights in Southern Africa and an analysis of the progress of the Digital Terrestrial Television migration of Zimbabwe in comparison to other SADC countries.

In regards to internet freedom, Africa got off to an awful start in 2019. Internet disruptions were registered in five countries (Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Sudan and Zimbabwe) within the first three weeks of the year. The disruptions were related to elections, protests against government policies, and, what seemed like a coup attempt.

In his inauguration speech on 24 November 2017 following Mugabe’s ouster, President Mnangagwa, said he would strengthen and ensure the pillars of democracy are respected in Zimbabwe. This raised hope that he would move with speed and implement outstanding socio-economic and political reforms ahead of the 2018 elections. It is common cause that the elections came without implementation of the envisaged reforms.

The MISA Annual report for 2018 focuses on the lobby and advocacy work MISA carried out on critical issues throughout 2018.

Thirty-five violations were recorded in 12 countries with Nigeria recording the highest number. The findings show a slight reduction in the cases of violations compared to the previous quarter (April June, 2018) which recorded 40 violations.

The Citizens’ Analysis of Government Openness

The Citizens’ Analysis of Government Openness

The Citizens’ Analysis of Government Openness

The Citizens’ Analysis of Government Openness

The Citizens’ Analysis of Government Openness

A análise dos cidadãos sobre abertura do governo

The Citizens’ Analysis of Government Openness

This is the 10th Transparency Assessment Report of the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), which examines the openness and transparency of public institutions in southern Africa.

Exposing and Challenging Government Hacking for Surveillance

A Baseline Research by the Nigerian Journalists Internet Rights Initiative (NJIRI)

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) accuses the Eritrean government of a complete denial of reality in its first-ever report to the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and announces that it has submitted an alternative “shadow report” with a much darker assessment of the state of press freedom in Eritrea.

Although the internet has the potential to bridge the gender equality gap, it is still a hugely unexplored terrain or many Ghanaian women because of issues of access, affordability and knowhow.

The 2011 Computer Misuse Act was used to arrest and charge individuals with “offensive communications” for criticizing the president in two separate incidents

South Africa voted against the UN Resolution for “the Promotion, Protection and Enjoyment of Human Rights on the Internet”

An independent online journalist faced regular police interrogations and was assaulted several times in 2016

Online journalists and internet users in Nigeria were subject to increasing extralegal harassment and intimidation for their activities

The Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act was passed in July 2016 and includes problematic provisions that critics worry will be used to censor online content and silence dissent

The High Court ruled Section 132 of the penal code unconstitutional in April 2017; the provision penalized “undermining the authority of public officers” and had been used to prosecute online and offline speech

On the eve of presidential elections in December 2016, the authorities shut down the entire internet and mobile networks across the country, supposedly to prevent the spread of false information

The Computer Crime Proclamation enacted in June 2016 criminalizes online defamation and incitement and strengthened the government’s surveillance capabilities by enabling real-time monitoring or interception of communications

New legislation enacted in January 2017 empowers the government with the ability to penalize online speech and ban online content

In 2014, Cameroon enacted a broad anti-terror law as part of its effort to counter the extremist group Boko Haram, but authorities are using it to arrest and threaten local journalists who report on the militants or unrest in the country’s English-speaking regions.

MFWA has identified lack of effective internet-specific legal frameworks, inadequate infrastructure and high cost of data as major challenges in the internet sector in West Africa.

Marcel Lubala, a state television journalist, was murdered in his home in November.

Several journalists covering antigovernment protests were arrested, assaulted, or saw their equipment confiscated.

A number of independent or opposition-aligned online news outlets remained inaccessible.

Two bloggers were arrested under provisions of the Cybercrimes Act after criticizing public officials.

A number of journalists and bloggers were arrested under a section of the 2013 Kenya Information and Communications (Amendment) Act (KICA) that criminalized the transmission of “offensive” or “menacing” messages over telecommunications devices. However, in April, the High Court found that section unconstitutional.

The Supreme Court struck down 2015 regulations issued by the National Media Commission (NMC) that could have facilitated prepublication censorship.

Jean Bigirimana, a journalist with the weekly independent newspaper Iwacu, disappeared, reportedly after receiving a phone call from a source within the national intelligence service. His whereabouts remained unknown at year’s end.

Journalists and technicians from state-owned outlets held strike actions to protest pressure by members of the new administration of President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, and to demand better working conditions.

The High Authority for Audiovisual Media and Communication (HAAC), the country’s media regulator, shuttered a number of news outlets that were either affiliated with an opposition politician, or were critical of President Patrice Talon’s administration.

Authorities banned two newspapers, Mawio and Mseto, after they published stories on political tensions in Zanzibar and corruption allegations against President Magufuli, respectively.

In September, the Supreme Court of Appeal handed down a significant judgment upholding the principle of an open Parliament and journalists’ right to report from inside the chamber.

n October, in response to ongoing antigovernment protests, the authorities enacted a state of emergency that allowed them to restrict internet access and social media use and designate two television channels run by Ethiopians abroad as terrorist organizations, among other repressive measures.

This investigation focuses on the techniques, tools and culture of Kenyan police and intelligence agencies’ communications surveillance practices.

The report is based on incidents of crimes committed against journalists recorded by the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) during the period 2012 to 2016. Most of the incidents of crimes against journalists, particularly killings, reported during this period are related to acts of politically motivated violence.

The bi-weekly reports “name and shame” political parties, candidates or activists who use indecent campaign language; and name the radio stations and programmes on which those expressions were used. It is also hoped that the bi-weekly reports will help the electorate to make informed voting decisions. The reports are also meant to provide credible evidence for the appropriate institutions and groups to take informed remedial actions.

Supporters of the ruling party repeatedly used force to disrupt radio broadcasts featuring opposition leaders during the year, and violently attacked two journalists investigating possible election fraud in December.

The broadcast regulator attempted to block the appearance of a controversial political personality at several media outlets, and ordered a radio station to cease negative coverage of a local royal family.

Student protesters attacked a television crew in August, apparently a due to concerns that they would be identified in news footage and punished by authorities.

Security forces ordered the closure of two newspapers and a producer of radio content in August 2015.

The National Assembly passed a new cybercrime law in December 2015 that could lead to prosecutions and self-censorship among the country’s increasingly important online media.

In August, at the peak of the year’s political crisis, the government replaced the heads of the public television and radio services, and the latter was prevented from broadcasting parliamentary debates.

Police repeatedly harassed and detained a journalist for an overseas-based Djiboutian radio station during 2015.

In September, a newspaper publisher was arrested for photographing the police breakup of a workshop on democracy. His trial was postponed several times during the year.

In May 2015, three journalists were arrested and charged with the unlawful disclosure of information in connection with a story linking government officials to illegal oil and diamond deals.

In January 2015, the National Assembly passed the Information and Communication Code of Benin, which helped to clarify the rights and freedoms of journalists. The new code eliminated prison sentences for defamation, though it retained criminal penalties for a number of press offenses, including fines for defamation.

In September, the Muslim community radio station La Voix de la Paix was attacked and severely damaged during a confrontation in Bangui between Muslim and Christian fighters.

17 journalists were imprisoned in Eritrea as of December 1, 2015, the most in sub-Saharan Africa

The HAC formally censured or issued warnings to five media outlets that accused it of suffering from excessive executive influence.

Critical journalists continued to face harassment by law enforcement officials during the year, with alleged offenses including defamation, immigration or curfew violations, and bank theft.

Mali’s media landscape remained relatively open in 2015, allowing new media businesses to expand and journalists generally free to continue their work.

During a spate of protests and communal violence in January, the authorities physically assaulted several journalists in the field, raided media offices, and briefly shut down internet and mobile text-messaging services.

As in previous years, several opposition blogs and independent news websites were intermittently inaccessible inside Rwanda during 2015.

In July, three newspaper publishers and one reporter were detained and questioned about their sources for three separate stories.

A UN report released in March found that state intimidation of journalists in the Gambia amounted to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or even torture.

In March 2015, unknown assailants abducted prominent journalist and government critic Itai Dzamara in Harare, and he remained missing at year’s end.

The passing of a new penal code in November toughened legislation on press freedom, criminalizing defamation and false news.

In the spring, the government adopted two laws—the Statistics Act and the Cybercrimes Act—that were widely viewed as tools to rein in critical reporting ahead of October’s general elections.

The ruling African National Congress (ANC) announced plans to introduce legislation that would effectively repeal the common law crime of defamation in South Africa.

Two senior judges sued a number of journalists and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) advocacy group for defamation in connection with an exposé implicating them and other members of the judiciary in a widespread bribery scandal.

Journalists faced physical attacks and death threats, including from the police and the youth wing of the ruling party, the Imbonerakure

A controversial new media law passed in December requires reporters to have a university degree in journalism and pass a state test, includes heavy fines for libel, and empowers authorities to block websites as punishment for media offenses despite a provision explicitly prohibiting censorship.

In December, the editor of the Independent Observer was arrested and charged with publishing false information. The paper had incurred multiple sanctions from the IMC over the preceding year.

Nigeria’s first peaceful transfer of power to the opposition, following the March 2015 elections, led to modest improvements in the country’s media environment.

At least 19 cases of threats or violence against journalists were reported in the first half of 2015; among them was the murder of John Kituyi, the founder of the Mirror Weekly newspaper, who was beaten to death by unknown attackers in April.

Two journalists—one with an opposition newspaper and another with a state-owned newspaper that had covered mass protests—were arrested in December, and were being held without charge at year’s end.

Several new private radio stations were granted licenses.

An investigation into the 1998 death of journalist Norbert Zongo was reopened in April 2015, and in December, three former soldiers in Compaoré’s presidential guard were charged with his killing.

Somalia’s journalists have long been forced to work under difficult and dangerous circumstances, and the year 2015 offered them no respite.

“Government officials repeatedly issued threats to shutdown select websites and blogs”

Leader of Facebook-initiated Occupy Africa Unity Square movement abducted, remains missing as of June 2015

LGBTI community a frequent target of intimidation, threats of violence and technical attacks online

Leaked “Spy Cables” raise concern over government’s surveillance intentions and capabilities

Rwanda ranked most affordable developing country for ICT access

Cybercrime Act 2015 includes provisions that threaten to violate citizens’ rights to privacy and freedom of expression

“Spy machine” enables communications regulator access to subscriber’s data and communications without judicial oversight

Businesses increasingly using blogs as platform for advertising, blogging becoming economically viable industry

Former online journalists tortured and released without charge on accusations of sending sensitive information to “enemies” of the government

Political Science professor known for Facebook activism arrested and charged with terrorism

Facebook group, Central Angola 7311 organizes flashmobs to protest restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly

Ranked 176th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 103rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 86th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 93rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 155th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 48th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 71st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 180th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 155th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 164th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 159th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 195th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 97th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 103rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 67th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 115th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 155 in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 123rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 137th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 172 in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 152nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 172nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 103 in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 93rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 52nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 172 in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 113th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 107th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 61st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 71st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 127th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 133rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 124th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 137th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 164th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 127th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 52nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 190th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 166th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 113th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 145th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 97th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 86th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 86th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 75th in annual global media freedom report

This report presents a review of the efficacy and capabilities of the Open Government Partnership or OGP to promote Open Contracting through the National Action Plans of their African member–states.

The goal of this report is to provide African governments, civil society, researchers and other stakeholders with a tool that will guide and support the development and advancement of the right to information in Africa.

Freedom of Expression Under Attack in South Sudan

Architect of “draconian media laws” returns as Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services

“The government has not delivered on their promise to privatise the public media”

The number of mobile subscribers in Tanzania increases by 27.5% each year and “people can easily access the internet on their mobile phones”

“The sown seends of freedom of expression are beginning to sprout”

“2013 saw more arrests, detentions, destruction of photographs, torching of a radio station and killing of a photographer”

“Additional regulations to Research, Science and Technology act now require government permission for all research”

“The year 2013 in Mozambique was caracterised by military and police brutality” against media workers

Media holds government to account in 2013

Radio programmes characterized by vibrant listener participation, people express their views without fear

High Court judge calls for expanded free expression

Internet safer than traditional media for expressing and discussing controversial topics

Ranked 125th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 93rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 152nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 141st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 181st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 159th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 194th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 164th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 173rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 98th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 164th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 170th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 48th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 147th in annual global media freedom report

Over 40 members of National Youths for Democracy arrested during voter registration campaign

Colonial-era Public Order Act used to prevent opposition from holding meetings and rallies

Police open fire on residents protesting development of palm oil plantation

Pure FM, nation’s first commercial radio station, begins operation

Lack of funding hinders NGO effectiveness

Teachers and students fear “divisionist” label, self-censor

Ranked 163rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 87th in annual global media freedom report

Specter of Boko Haram makes NGO work increasingly difficult

“State-owned Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation’s radio and television services generally reflect government viewpoints”

First Gay Pride march held in 2013

Parliamentary Chief Security Officer arrested for assaulting photojournalist in Parliament Building

Journalist murdered for reporting on sale of expired fertilizer

Social taboos limit public expression of LGBT citizens

Journalist sentenced to 10 days imprisonment for editorials critical of Supreme Court rulings

Sweeping anti-terrorism legislation silences critical journalism

Academic freedom constrained; self-censorship common

Access to Information law passed

Two journalists arrested for contempt of court after publishing speech by public prosecutor

Freedom of assembly severely restricted in aftermath of coup

“Nongovernmental organizations operate freely”

Organizations supporting San minority barred by state

Ranked 132nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 125th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 146th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 69th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 95th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 173rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 106th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 122nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 52nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 176th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 190th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 118th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 84th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 157th in annual global media freedom report

“Full online powers”

“New constitution guarantees free expression, but repressive laws are left intact”

“In slim foothold for freedom of expression, new radio licenses issued, then revoked”

“Attacks on the press decline from recent years”

“Anti-press attacks increase, with police believed responsible for a third of them”

“In small step, parliament passes two bills that promise to open the airwaves”

“Journalist murders decrease from previous year, but anti-press attacks continue”

“Country ranks among worst for unsolved journalist murders”

“Government stiffens criminal laws on press, Internet activities”

“Impunity on the rise as anti-press attacks go unpunished”

“New leader continues Meles Zenawi’s onslaught on the press”

Anti-press violence centred in conflict-torn Kivu province

“Prominent reporter is freed after spending 463 days in prison”

Ranked 135th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 93rd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 110th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 76th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 69th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 156th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 119th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 42nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 176th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 72nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 103rd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 62nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 162nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 112th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 48th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 22nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 79th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 70th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 60th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 122nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 73rd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 81st in annual press freedom index

Ranked 89th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 74th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 90th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 86th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 102nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 27th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 155th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 98th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 143rd in annual press freedom index

Ranked last in annual press freedom index

Ranked 168th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 151st in annual press freedom index

Ranked 169th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 101st in annual press freedom index

Ranked 53rd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 139th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 109th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 24th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 131st in annual press freedom index

Ranked 142nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 52nd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 41st in annual press freedom index

Ranked 75th in annual press freedom index

Political parties free to express views and canvass for support under new constitution

Passage of Public Order Management bill further restricts space for dissent

Lawyers receive death threats following calls to lift media ban on former Secretary General

President will not sign controversial Protection of State Information Bill

“One of the most dangerous countries in the world to be a journalist”

“Ethiopian media remains under a tight government stranglehold”

No constitution, functioning legislature, independent judiciary, elections, independent press, or NGOs

“Only a few private media outlets exist in the country, and they are generally owned by persons close to President Obiang”

Scope of independent journalism opens as new media laws adopted

Critical reporters face risk of censorship or reprisal

Peaceful expression met with state-led violent repression

Mutilated body of magazine reporter, Aisha Usman found on highway in Kaduna state

Despite domestic and international concern, government adopts restrictive press law

Freedom of Information Act evidence of improved free expression situation

New laws introduced; fears of draconian restrictions on media and nonprofit organizations rise

Defamation silences journalists, intimidates bloggers

This monitoring report highlights key free expression, media development, safety of journalists and general human rights issues in Mali for the period September 1, to November 30, 2013. It is the third in the series of monitoring reports being released by the MFWA. The reports form part of a project implemented jointly by the MFWA, the International Media Support (IMS) and the Panos Institute of West Africa (PIWA). The project is aimed at strengthening the Malian media and promoting free expression in order to rebuild the country’s democracy.

The Media Foundation for West Africa’s (MFWA) monitoring continues to show appreciable improvements in conditions of Freedom of Expression (FoE), Media Development and Safety of journalists; general human rights and social conditions in the once conflict-devastated-Mali. Monitoring reports collated from MFWA network of monitors in Mali, show that general human rights conditions, FoE and the work of the media are progressing steadily.

This publication is a component of the National Endowment for Democracy, (NED) funded project that has unearthed a dismal level of denial to disclose information in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government in Liberia.

Ranked 131st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 170th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 118th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 159th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 106th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 170th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 131st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 71st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 182nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 96th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 120th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 109th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 55th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 174th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 106th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 105th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 64th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 86th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 63rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 93rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 91st in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 112th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 149th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 120th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 96th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 112th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 140th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 55th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 179th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 160th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 177th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 194th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 190th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 164th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 134th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 179th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 120th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 96th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 168th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 140th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 52nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 149th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 162nd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 86th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 83rd in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 70th in annual global media freedom report

Ranked 157th in annual global media freedom report

In Ethiopia, there is a continuing and pervasive deterioration in the space for free speech, peaceful protest, and opposition political activity.

Check out this interactive timeline to learn about the case of Enoh Meyomesse, a Cameroonian poet, writer, and politician and Honorary Member of PEN American Center.

PEN International, PEN Nigeria, Committee to Protect Journalists, and the International Publishers Association welcome the opportunity provided by the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights to comment on the climate for free expression and human rights in Nigeria.

Ranked 148th in annual global media freedom report

The controversial Protection of State Information Bill is one of the freedom of expression issues that Human Rights Watch examines in this report.

South Sudan’s government should investigate and prosecute attacks on protesters, activists, and journalists, Human Rights Watch says.

Editor of the “Sunday Times” Imran Hosany was arrested and charged with “outraging public and religious morality” after publishing photographs of dead tourist

“Anti-slavery activists continue to face harassment and arrest”

“An unprecedented number of journalists were illegally detained and tortured by the military and Islamist militants”

“The climate for civil society and opposition groups has improved notably”

Police shoot two people during a rally in support of Free FM and press freedom

Libel decriminalised

Police regularly prohibit human rights groups from holding public meetings

Freedom of speech curtailed following military coup

Pressure from press freedom groups and opposition leaders leads to reinstatement of Liberté FM, following government closure for reporting on opposition protests

“Civil society organisations have noted that political party ‘foot soldiers’ – activists who assist campaigns by distributing literature and generating crowds, among other activities – have been known to use violence and aggression”

“The government continued to intimidate and persecute journalists, the political opposition, sexual minorities, and members of civil society throughout the year”

Government frequently suspends news outlets following critical reporting

Government prohibits political activity on university campuses

“Four journalists, part of a group held without trial for up to 11 years, were confirmed to have died in detention”

Head of Equatorial Guinea’s press association dies under “suspicious circumstances”

“The government continued to suppress civil society and independent media, with security forces threatening and attacking journalists critical of government officials”

“Freedom of association improved in 2012”

Non-Muslim proselytising is illegal

“Authorities ban demonstrations by groups thought to be critical of the government”

“State-sponsored political violence is a serious and chronic problem”

Freedom of expression and assembly curtailed as rebels take over half of country

“Independent and critical journalists continue to face intimidation from law enforcement officials and PF supporters”

“Government authorisation is needed to publish newspapers”

Professors practice self-censorship as state security informants operate on university campuses

“Throughout 2012 journalists were prevented from covering opposition-related events or attacked while doing so”

“The government sometimes censors or otherwise restricts news sources or stories that it finds undesirable”

NGOs and human rights groups operated freely in 2012

All interactive programming on the private radio station, Legende FM, indefinitely suspended following accusations of inciting racial and ethnic hatred

“The Zanzibari government often reacts to media criticism by accusing the press of being a ‘threat to national unity'”

Constitutional amendments expand the surveillance and interception capabilities of security authorities to monitor email and other private communication

“Constitutional rights to free expression are severely restricted in practice and can be suspended by the King”

“Private media in South Sudan has proliferated, with 37 FM radio stations, more than half a dozen newspapers, and several online news sites”

Police kill 34 striking mineworkers during a violent confrontation near Marikana marking the worst incident of state violence in the post-apartheid era

“Somalia is one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists”

“Cases of violence against journalists often go unsolved”

“Lack of security in the north prevents NGOs from adequately assessing human rights conditions”

Uniformed soldiers attack two journalists covering protest against the Ministry of Defense

“Activists claim that the government blocks access to opposition party websites”

Government and party leaders issue harsh criticism and threats against press, usually in the wake of unflattering stories

Opposition leaders claim government intelligence services monitor e-mail

“In recent years, several journalists have been targeted for expressing opposition to the government”

Flurry of frivolous lawsuits launched by President’s party officials aim to financially cripple critical newspapers

Development of print media is exemplary, yet country has region’s lowest newspaper consumption rate

“The call for political reforms within and beyond the borders of Swaziland could prove to be a gain for advocates for media freedom”

ANC Youth League posses threat to journalists

Government lifts advertising and purchase ban against daily newspaper The Namibian

“Disproportiate influence of big business” and legal remnants of colonialism remain hurdles for media companies

“The economic crisis, impunity of the ruling elite, legacy of old draconian laws, and low media penetration in Malawi are major challenges”

Only nation in region with no daily newspaper

Government makes strides towards establishing access to information law

Newspaper publishes blank pages to protest censorship and editorial pressure

Crisis in East Africa

Al-Shabaab enforce ban on cinemas, video games and radio music

Boko Haram Islamist militia behind two car bomb attacks on newspapers in 2011

Assaults, censorship, detention, and threats jump three-fold over 2010 levels

“Communications Ministry told independent news broadcasters not to air any political or debate programs ahead of an October election”

“Assaults, detentions, threats, instances of censorship, kidnappings, and murders of journalists” tied to Presidential standoff

“Ethiopia has driven more journalists into exile over the past decade than any other nation in the world”

Government bans news of Arab Spring

“Africa’s leading jailer of the press”

Eight journalists murdered between 2005 and 2011

“The whole world can go to hell. If I want to ban any newspaper, I will,” says President Yahya Jammeh

Police officers involved in 84% of violent attacks against journalists

Comparing Kagame to Mugabe nets columnist 2.5 year prison term

Journalist “exodus has decimated the local press corps and left a significant void in coverage seen internationally”

Officials admit to phone tapping journalists who report on police corruption

President stokes fears of economic instability to criticise work of journalists covering opposition rallies

Improvements observed as “anti-press harassment continued a gradual decline”

Numerous press freedom violations reported in run up to independence referendum

Dozens of journalists attacked during coverage of “Walk to Work” protests

Ranked 66th in annual press freedom index

Tied for 63rd place in annual press freedom index

Tied for 63rd place in annual press freedom index

Ranked 62nd in annual press freedom index

South Sudan enters annual press freedom index in 111th place

“Four journalists were killed in Mogadishu in 2011”

Tied for 54th place in annual press freedom index

A 20 point rise to 42nd place on annual press freedom index

Niger climbs 75 places on press freedom index, the most progress of any country

Tied for 42nd place in annual press freedom index

A leader in respecting journalists

Eritrea (179th) came last in press freedom index for the fifth year running

Ranked 34th in annual press freedom index

“There is no free press”

An African leader in respecting journalists

In top ten of press freedom index – “no attempts to obstruct the media were reported in 2011”

Decriminalization of media law offences badly needed

Ranked 132nd in annual press freedom index

Tied for 117th place in annual press freedom index

Tied for 86th place in annual press freedom index

Ranked 79th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 144th in annual press freedom index

Ranked 73rd in annual press freedom index

“Authorities are still not ready to protect journalists from prison sentences by decriminalising media offences”

Press freedom continues to improve for the second straight year

Tied for 84th place in annual press freedom index

Ranked 75th in annual press freedom index

Tied for 86th place in annual press freedom index

Ranked 141st in annual press freedom index

Ranked 101st in annual press freedom index

Ranked 127th in annual press freedom index

Press freedom situation “very grave”

Ranked 145th in annual press freedom index

Political crisis surrounding 2011 election leads to decreased press freedom

Namibia in top 20 of press freedom index, “where no attempts to obstruct the media were reported in 2011”

Ranked 103rd in annual press freedom index

Ranked 130th in annual press freedom index

Opening up of broadcasting sector leads to a 28 point rise on press freedom index

Tied for 86th place in annual press freedom index

Malawi falls 64 places – the largest fall of any country – in annual press freedom index

Ranked 91st in annual press freedom index

Journalists attacked and media agencies closed during presidential election

Government passes “draconian security legislation” limiting free expression and other basic rights

Authorities suspend “newspapers, including opposition paper Ajras al Hurriya, citing their links to South Sudan”

Growing concern as ANC’s hold over country’s public broadcaster increases

“There are almost no independent Rwandan journalists operating in Rwanda”

Civil society activists blame police for death of Youth for Freedom and Democracy vice-president

Journalists charged as terrorist conspirators

“Journalists from state-owned media outlets are not permitted to criticise the government”

Radio Lisanga Télévision the target of fire bombings, armed attacks and arbitrary detentions

Five radio stations defy one-month media blackout order on Gatumba killings

Police arrest journalists covering unprecedented rallies against President dos Santos

“Intimidation, arbitrary arrest, and criminal prosecution of journalists” limit right to free expression