Center for Media Studies & Peace Building (CEMESP)

Articles by Center for Media Studies & Peace Building (CEMESP)

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf speaks during an interview with Reuters in Brussels, 25 November 2013, REUTERS/Francois Lenoir

Liberian president pledges to decriminalise media offenses

In the Liberian president’s recent State of the Nation address, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf reaffirmed the government’s commitment to decriminalise media offenses.

Link to: Liberia: Former talk show host alleges there is a state-sponsored plan to kill her

Liberia: Former talk show host alleges there is a state-sponsored plan to kill her

Journalist Tetee Gebro, formerly of the Sky Communications Corporation, has raised alarm that state sponsored assassins are out for her. She made the allegation as a formal complaint to the Press Union of Liberia (PUL).

Link to: Liberian government imposes restrictions on Ebola media coverage

Liberian government imposes restrictions on Ebola media coverage

The Liberian government recently announced that it has imposed a ban on media coverage of Ebola stories and photos of victims.

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.”

Link to: Liberian Supreme Court: Reverse decision to close National Chronicle newspaper

Liberian Supreme Court: Reverse decision to close National Chronicle newspaper

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) has, in a petition, prayed for the Supreme Court of Liberia to reverse the government’s decision on the “continuous and illegal closure” of The National Chronicle newspaper.

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.

A boy stands near posters displaying a government message against Ebola at Duwala market in Monrovia, 17 August 2014, REUTERS/2Tango

Liberian newspaper publisher harassed over article alleging misallocation of Ebola response funds

Helen G. Nah was harassed by police over a story published in Women Voices newspaper. The article stated that money allocated from the Ebola Response Fund was allocated to some senior Liberia National Police officials for operational purposes, but got misappropriated along the line.

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.