Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

Tensions continue to rise after the government cracks down on dissent following its decision to introduce the use of French language in courts and schools in English-speaking regions.

On 15 November 2016, a group of armed men in military uniforms stormed the residence of Marcel Lubala Kalala and killed him. Journaliste en Danger has called on the provincial and judicial authorities to expeditiously investigate the matter.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) to strongly condemn the arbitrary closure of Eye Radio station by the South Sudan National Security Service (NSS).

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) has petitioned President Salva Kiir over the closure of the country’s leading private paper, The Nation Mirror. In September, the National Security Service ordered the indefinite closure of The Nation Mirror without any explanation.

Work of various African organisations and governments helped lead the way to last week’s inaugural International Day for Universal Access to Information.

Reporter Abdiasis Mohammed Ali was shot on 27 September 2016, on his way to visit his uncle in Mogadishu. Ali had worked with Radio Shabelle for more than seven years and was arrested on several occasions by the police and the National Intelligence and Security Agency in connection with his work as a journalist.

On 14 September 2016, five Internet users were arraigned before a Tanzanian Court on charges of insulting President John Magufuli on social media.

Live bullets rained down on protestors gathered to repudiate the postponement of DRC elections. Government officials report 32 deaths, but opposition tally tells a much grimmer story.