The African Union and the Federation of African Journalists have marked the International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists by calling for greater protection and safety for journalists across the continent. On November 2, 2026, the two organizations released a joint statement expressing solidarity with journalists and media professionals who have faced violence, retaliation, and intimidation while doing their jobs.
The statement, issued by African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye and Federation of African Journalists President Omar Faruk Osman, honored journalists who have been killed, injured, detained, threatened, or forced into exile for their commitment to informing the public and defending journalism principles. The organizations also recognized the families of these journalists.
According to the African Union and the Federation of African Journalists, attacks on journalists are, in effect, attacks on the fundamental human rights of all African people, particularly the right to freedom of expression and access to information. The two organizations reiterated their commitment to building a continent where journalists can work freely and safely, and where crimes against them are investigated, punished, and the rule of law prevails.
The organizations noted that women journalists are especially vulnerable to gender-based threats, online harassment, and violence. The theme of this year's International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists is "Threats Evolve. Impunity Persists," highlighting how evolving technologies and weaponry are changing the risks faced by journalists, particularly in conflict zones.
The African Union and the Federation of African Journalists argued that when crimes against journalists go unpunished, it emboldens aggressors, silences public interest journalism, and denies communities the information they need to participate in public life and exercise their democratic rights. They called on states to ensure journalists' safety, investigate attacks, and bring perpetrators to justice.
The organizations requested that states fulfill their obligations under African and international human rights law and take concrete measures to prevent attacks and end impunity. They also urged governments to establish or strengthen national mechanisms for journalist safety, ensure that security forces understand and respect the role of the media, and protect journalists covering protests, elections, and conflicts.
Ultimately, the African Union and the Federation of African Journalists emphasized that laws should not be used to intimidate journalists, hinder legitimate journalism, or restrict responsible freedom of expression. They concluded by stressing the importance of protecting journalists and promoting a culture of accountability and justice.
Key points
- The African Union and the Federation of African Journalists are calling for greater protection and safety for journalists across the continent.
- The organizations noted that women journalists are especially vulnerable to gender-based threats, online harassment, and violence.
- The theme of this year's International Day to End Impunity Against Journalists is "Threats Evolve. Impunity Persists."
