Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Articles by Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)

Taranga FM Manager, Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay, Media Foundation for West Africa

Release journalist detained in violation of African Court ruling

Free expression organisations join the Media Foundation for West Africa in calling on African regional body to pressure The Gambia to release journalist Alhagie Abdoulie Ceesay.

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.

Nevanji Madanhire (C), editor of The Zimbabwe Standard Newspaper, talks to his lawyer Chris Mhike (L) as they leave the Harare Magistrates Court, 1 December 2010, REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo

Criminal defamation ruled unconstitutional in Zimbabwe

While this judgment is a welcome development, MISA Zimbabwe remains mindful of the fact that there is a litany of statutes that can still be used to criminalise freedom of expression, including the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

UN counter-extremism initiatives must not infringe on free expression rights

Civil society groups express concern over the potential for overbroad anti-extremism practices to limit free expression

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.

Klaus Johannis, President of Romania

Civil society calls for investigation into surveillance of journalist Cătălin Tolontan

IFEX members call for an immediate investigation into spying operations in Romania incompatible with free and democratic society.

Media Institute of Southern Africa

Reflections on internet rights and net neutrality in Africa after the IGF

MISA’s Advocacy Officer in Zambia, Kamufisa Manchishi, recently attended the 10th annual global Internet Governance Forum in João Pessoa, Brazil. In this post he shares his thoughts on net neutrality, internet rights and zero-rating in Africa.