The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has issued a call to action on the International Day for Universal Access to Information, urging African governments to ensure the public's right to reliable information. According to FAJ, access to information is essential to democracy, peace, social stability, public accountability, and people's ability to participate in decisions that affect their lives. This call comes as a crisis is shaping public debate across Africa, with false election claims, rumors, and AI-generated content circulating during elections, conflicts, and emergencies.
The theme of this year's International Day for Universal Access to Information, "Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder," highlights the risks posed by denial of access to information. FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman stated that information integrity cannot be built on secrecy, censorship, or attacks on journalists, as these practices deny people unfettered access to information. He emphasized that governments must release information promptly and openly, and journalists must be able to report freely and safely.
FAJ is urging every African Union Member State to bring its laws and practice into conformity with the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa. States with access-to-information laws must implement and enforce them fully, while states without such laws must adopt legislation that meets the Model Law's standards. Additionally, governments must make information accessible in languages people understand and remove practical barriers to obtaining it.
The Pan-African Federation rejects censorship and greater state control imposed through legal or extra-legal means as responses to disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech. Instead, FAJ calls for strong, independent journalism, safe working conditions for journalists, and media literacy. The organization is advancing continental efforts to strengthen information integrity and is calling on digital platforms to be more transparent about how they recommend and moderate content.
According to FAJ, secrecy and delays leave communities with fewer facts to verify, while barriers related to language, location, and connectivity shut many people out of reliable information. This situation fuels tensions and erodes trust, making it essential for governments to prioritize access to information. By doing so, governments can help to address information disorder and promote social stability.
FAJ's call to action is part of a broader effort to promote information integrity and access to information in Africa. The organization has over 25 years of experience in promoting journalism and media rights, and its efforts are aimed at strengthening the role of journalists and media in promoting democracy and good governance. By working together, FAJ and other stakeholders can help to create an environment that supports the free flow of information and promotes social stability.
Eric Mensah-Ayettey, News Editor for 3News and a published author, reported on FAJ's call to action. With over 25 years of working experience in the practice of journalism, Mensah-Ayettey brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his reporting. His work is part of a broader effort to promote journalism and media rights in Africa, and his reporting helps to shed light on the importance of access to information in promoting democracy and good governance.
Key points
- FAJ calls for urgent action by African governments to guarantee public's right to reliable information
- Denial of access to information fuels online disorder and erodes trust
- FAJ urges African Union Member States to adopt laws and practices that promote access to information
