Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)

Articles by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)

Viola Ulakai , Pacific Islands News Association

Tongan Prime Minister should end harassment of local journalist Viola Ulakai

IFEX members call on the Prime Minister of Tonga to cease threats of suspension of journalist Viola Ulakai and respect his past commitment to press freedom in the country.

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.

Gambia's President Yahya Jammeh arrives to the opening of the 48th ordinary session of ECOWAS Authority of Head of States and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, 16 December 2015, REUTERS/Afolabi Sotunde

Eight years on, still no justice for Gambian journalist Ebrima Manneh and family

On 5 June 2008, the ECOWAS Community Court held The Gambia responsible for the disappearance of journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh. Eight years on, Manneh and his family have been denied justice as The Gambia has still not ‘released’ or payed the damages to him or his family as ordered by the ECOWAS Court.

President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania and his wife Lady Tekber Mint Melainine Ould Ahmed wave on the North Portico of the White House in Washington, 5 August 2014, AP Photo/Susan Walsh

Newscaster dismissed for mispronouncing Mauritanian First Lady’s name

On 26 May 2016, a Mauritanian journalist was summarily dismissed from his post for mispronouncing the name of the wife of President Mohammed Ould Abdoul Aziz.

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.

MFWA

Detained Gambian journalist Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay disappears

While newspaper and official reports claim Ceesay has escaped from the hospital, many believe he has been killed.

Link to: Gambian opposition figure dies in custody

Gambian opposition figure dies in custody

Solo Sandeng was leading a demonstration against President Jammeh’s dictatorship and demanding electoral reforms on April 14, 2016 in the outskirts of Banjul. Along with more than 20 others he was arrested by paramilitary personnel and taken to Mile II Prison.