By Morris Wambua

Journalism is the lifeblood of democracy, serving as the conduit through which information reaches the public, holding governments accountable, and amplifying the voices of the voiceless.

In Africa, this role is as critical as ever, given the continent's volatile political landscape and numerous ongoing conflicts. The African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) has recently taken a significant step toward addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing African journalists: their safety, particularly in conflict zones.

During its 1230th session on September 2, 2024, the PSC adopted a resolution that prioritizes the protection of journalists—a decision welcomed by both the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its African counterpart, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ).

This landmark decision is only the beginning.

As much as it represents progress on paper, it does little to change the lived realities of many journalists across Africa, who continue to face dangers, intimidation, and even death for simply doing their jobs.

In this article, we will underscore the need for enhanced protection for African journalists while
exposing the systemic neglect and active suppression of press freedom across the continent.

Journalists: Defenders of Democracy and Accountability

Journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse, particularly during moments of crisis. In Africa, where political unrest and armed conflicts are frequent, journalists are often the first responders to crucial developments. Their reports inform the public, keep governments in check, and shine a light on corruption, human rights abuses, and undemocratic practices.

The AU's decision to finally prioritize the safety of these journalists acknowledges their essential function in maintaining political accountability. At the same time, this resolution recognizes that, without protecting journalists, the entire democratic process in Africa becomes compromised. After all, a society that does not safeguard those who tell the truth will never be a free society.

Current Threats Facing Journalists in Africa

While the PSC's decision is a significant milestone, it must be understood within the broader context of ongoing violence against journalists across Africa.

Many journalists working in conflict zones face the threat of arbitrary detention, violence, censorship, and even murder. Countries like Somalia, Nigeria, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) stand out as some of the most dangerous environments for media professionals.

For instance, Somalia has long been regarded as one of the deadliest countries for journalists, with numerous media workers being targeted and killed by extremist groups such as Al-Shabaab.

Similarly, in the Sahel region, where extremist violence continues to escalate, journalists have been targeted by both non-state actors and governmental forces seeking to suppress reports that paint them in a negative light.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) recently reported that 2023 saw a spike in journalist killings in conflict-affected countries, reversing a previous trend of decreasing violence against media professionals.

In many cases, African governments themselves contribute to this hostile environment.

Journalists who criticize government officials or expose corruption are often met with intimidation, harassment, or worse. In Cameroon, for example, journalists reporting on the ongoing Anglophone crisis face constant threats, while in South Sudan, reporters who cover the country’s civil war often become targets of both government forces and opposition groups. These dangers create a chilling effect, where journalists are forced to self-censor to avoid becoming victims.

The Root Causes of Neglect: Why Journalist Safety Is Ignored

The failure to protect journalists in Africa is rooted in deeper systemic issues, including authoritarianism, corruption, and weak legal frameworks. Many African governments prioritize maintaining control over the media rather than safeguarding press freedom.

This stems from a desire to control the narrative, particularly in conflict zones where the truth could
expose human rights violations, military missteps, or the collapse of state authority.

For example, in conflict-torn regions like Tigray in Ethiopia and Darfur in Sudan, governments have been accused of deliberately blocking media access to prevent coverage of atrocities.

In Ethiopia, the government restricted access to journalists attempting to cover the Tigray conflict, thereby limiting information about the situation to the outside world. Similarly, in Sudan, during the ongoing civil unrest, journalists have been subjected to violent crackdowns and prevented from documenting the military’s human rights violations.

In these environments, impunity reigns. While laws exist on paper to protect journalists, they are often disregarded.

Africa is home to some of the world’s most stringent laws on press freedom, such as the 1995 Johannesburg Principles on National Security and the 2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression.

However, these lawsremain largely symbolic in many countries where the rule of law is weak, and
there is little political will to implement them. The result is a landscape in which the perpetrators of violence against journalists rarely face consequences.

The African Union’s Landmark Decision: Progress or Posturing?

 The African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC) deserves credit for addressing journalist safety in its September 2024 session.

Led by Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, the 1230th meeting placed a significant focus on the need to protect journalists, particularly those operating in conflict zones.

The Council’s recommendations included urging member states to develop national strategies to safeguard journalists and encouraging the creation of mechanisms, such as a Working Group on Journalist Protection, to address the issue at a continental level.

The decision also tasked the AU Commission with drafting comprehensive policies to protect journalists, particularly in conflict zones, in line with international frameworks such as the Geneva Declaration on the Safety of Journalists.

This marks a substantial shift in the AU’s approach, as it recognizes the vital role that journalists play in both peace building and post-conflict reconciliation efforts.

However, there are reasons to remain cautious.

While the decision is laudable, the implementation of these recommendations will be the true test of the AU's commitment to press freedom.

Many African governments have signed onto similar agreements in the past but failed to enforce them.

The Banjul Charter and Johannesburg Principles, for instance, were established with the goal of safeguarding freedom of expression, but numerous countries have failed to integrate these principles into their national legal frameworks

Bridging the Gap: From Policy to Practice

The AU's decision can only succeed if member states are held accountable for their commitments. It is not enough to simply adopt resolutions—there must be mechanisms in place to ensure these resolutions are enforced at the national level.

This includes monitoring and reporting on press freedom violations, as well as imposing sanctions on states that fail to protect journalists.

One practical solution would be for the AU to establish a regional body tasked with monitoring and investigating violence against journalists. This body could work in conjunction with international organizations like the IFJ and FAJ to document violations and advocate for accountability.

Additionally, civil society groups and local journalism associations could be empowered to provide support to journalists in crisis, offering legal aid, psychological support, and even relocation services for those facing imminent danger.

Countering the Rise of Misinformation and Digital Censorship

Another crucial aspect of journalist safety in Africa is the growing threat posed by misinformation and digitalcensorship. The rise of new media technologies has brought both opportunities and challenges for journalism on the continent.

On one hand, digital platforms have allowed journalists to bypass traditional state-controlled media outlets, reaching wider audiences with critical information.

On the other hand, these platforms have become breeding grounds for misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech.

In response, some governments have exploited these challenges to justify censorship and repression.

For example, in Uganda and Tanzania, governments have introduced stringent regulations on online content, requiring bloggers and social media users to register with the state before posting.

These laws, though ostensibly designed to combat misinformation, have been criticized for stifling free expression and independent journalism.

The AU’s PSC recognized the dangers posed by digital misinformation during its 1097th session on Emerging Technologies and NewMedia in 2022.

However, the challenge lies in ensuring that efforts to combat fake news do not infringe on the right to free expression.

Journalists need protection from both state censorship and the overwhelming flood of disinformation that threatens to drown out their voices.

Looking Ahead: Recommendations for Protecting Journalists in Africa

To ensure the AU’s recent decision becomes a genuine turning point, a series of concrete steps must be taken at both the regional and national levels. Here are a few key recommendations:

1. Establish Independent Oversight Mechanisms: The AU should create an independent body to monitor and investigate attacks on journalists, working closely with civil society and journalism associations. 
2. Enforce Accountability: Member states that fail to protect journalists or that actively participate in violence against the media should face sanctions, including suspension from AU bodies. 
3. Provide Legal and Psychological Support: African governments, with the help of international partners, should establish funds to support journalists facing legal threats, harassment, or violence. Psychological support should also be offered to those working in high-risk environments. 
4. Combat Digital Censorship: While addressing misinformation is important, the AU must ensure that new regulations on digital platforms do not become tools of censorship. The right to free expression must be balanced with efforts to maintain journalistic integrity online. 

5. Increase Collaboration Between AU Member States: A coordinated effort is necessary to address cross-border threats to journalists, particularly in conflict zones where reporters are often targeted by multiple actors.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Press Freedom in Africa

The African Union’s decision to prioritize journalist safety is an important step forward in protecting press freedom and, by extension, democracy across the continent. However, for this landmark decision to lead to real change, it must be followed by sustained efforts to enforce the recommendations laid out by the AU Peace and Security Council. As long as African governments view journalists as threats rather than partners in the democratic process, the road to ensuring journalist safety will remain long and fraught with challenges.

Nevertheless, with international support and regional cooperation, there is hope that the AU’s decision could pave the way for a safer environment for African journalists. The fate of democracy and freedom of expression on the continent may very well depend on it.