Speaking to Channel Africa on Monday, November 2, the day the world marks the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists under the theme “Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures.”
FAJ President Omar Faruk Osman said attacks on media workers were continuing across the continent because perpetrators rarely faced investigation or prosecution. “Impunity is the worst enemy of media freedom on this continent,” Osman said.
“Attacks on journalists, whether intimidation, threats, arrests or killings, go unpunished in almost every corner of the continent.”
Osman said journalists faced a dual crisis involving physical violence and the misuse of legal systems.
Media workers were being killed, assaulted and forcibly disappeared while also facing arbitrary detention, fabricated charges and prosecution under restrictive laws. “Journalists are being silenced for telling Africa’s history,” Osman said. “This is unacceptable.”
Osman cited continuing killings in Sudan and Somalia and the alleged enforced disappearance of Journalist Moussa Kaka in Niger.
Journalists in Tunisia and Egypt were also facing imprisonment and legal action linked to professional work. “When attacks on journalists are not investigated and perpetrators remain free, the perpetrators continue committing more crimes because nobody holds them accountable,” Osman said.
Online repression was becoming increasingly sophisticated, with artificial intelligence and social media used to create false images, fabricated recordings and other material intended to discredit journalists.
Women journalists faced technology-facilitated gender-based violence designed to cause reputational harm and discourage participation in public debate.
Male journalists were also targeted through technology because of reporting that challenged political authorities.
Osman called on African governments to investigate attacks, prosecute perpetrators and end the use of restrictive laws against media workers. “Journalism is not a crime,” Osman said.
“Journalists are not enemies of the state or government. Journalists are servants of the public.”
The International Day also honours journalists and media workers killed, injured, detained, threatened or forced into exile for keeping the public informed.
FAJ said ending impunity required governments to fulfil national responsibilities by protecting media workers and ensuring that every attack resulted in credible investigation and accountability.
–ChannelAfrica–
