The African Union (AU) has urged its member states to strengthen protections for journalists and take concrete measures to prevent attacks against them. In a joint statement with the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the AU warned that impunity for crimes against journalists threatens democracy, human rights, and accountability across the continent. The statement was issued on November 2, marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
Journalists across Africa continue to face various forms of attacks, including killings, physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, and detention. The AU and FAJ said these attacks are also violations of fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression and access to information. They emphasised that every journalist must be able to report without fear of violence or reprisal.
The AU and FAJ highlighted that female journalists are especially vulnerable to gender-based threats, harassment, and online violence. Journalists reporting from conflict zones continue to work under severe pressure, and the organisations warned that when attacks go unpunished, perpetrators are emboldened, and public-interest reporting is silenced.
The organisations urged member states to establish or strengthen national mechanisms for journalists' safety and ensure law enforcement officers respect the role of the media. They also cautioned against using laws to intimidate journalists, obstruct legitimate reporting, or restrict freedom of expression.
The AU and FAJ called for closer cooperation among governments, continental and regional institutions, media organisations, journalists' unions, and civil society to address the issue. They emphasised that independent media remain essential to peace, democracy, accountability, and the people-centred development envisaged under the AU's Agenda 2063.
The AU's call comes amid persistent concerns over the killing of journalists and the failure to hold those responsible accountable. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said at least 34 journalists had been killed over the preceding year, with six out of every seven such killings going unpunished.
In Somalia, the European Union called for stronger protection of women journalists, citing the threats and harassment they face while carrying out their professional duties. The EU also highlighted the growing influence of social media and the importance of fact-checking in sharing information while preventing the spread of misinformation.
Key points
- The African Union urges member states to strengthen protections for journalists and take concrete measures to prevent attacks against them.
- Impunity for crimes against journalists threatens democracy, human rights, and accountability across the continent.
- Female journalists are especially vulnerable to gender-based threats, harassment, and online violence.
