CPJ, African groups call for press freedom commitment

July 8, 2010

Heads of State Francophone African nations

Your Excellencies:

As you gather in Paris for festivities that celebrate your nations’ 50 years of independence, we, the undersigned African press freedom advocates petition for your public commitment to a free, vibrant, and self-sustaining press as a cornerstone of the development of francophone Africa in the next five decades.

Following independence, single-party rule in francophone Africa often sought to restrict the press to the role of government messenger. Yet the post-independence press produced outstanding journalists and, with the advent of democratization in the 1990s, media liberalization allowed the expression of a greater number of voices, which represent the natural range of diverse opinions among your citizens. In countries where the free press has been allowed to flourish, there has been greater political stability and transparency in public affairs.

Many governments, however, still respond to press scrutiny with imprisonments, intimidation, repressive laws criminalizing critical coverage, and politically motivated censorship. Some authorities have mistakenly sought to justify repression by invoking the example of the notorious Rwandan station Radio des Milles Collines, which was a government-controlled outlet, not an independent one. Governments have also cited a lack of news media professionalism in defending their restrictive actions. While private news media do face the challenge of instilling professionalism with scarce societal resources, most have in fact acted with a degree of responsibility that surpasses many other institutions.

We, the undersigned, request that your leadership:

As leaders of countries that are signatories to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, we call on you to use this historic milestone as an opportunity to renew your adherence to the fundamental rights enshrined in these international conventions and your national constitutions, and strengthen your efforts to implement your obligations under the treaties.

You have to come to Paris for an extraordinary gathering of African leaders. It provides an opportunity for multilateral discussions of your nations’ post-colonial achievements and the challenges ahead. Your renewed commitment to a free and independent press should be at the top of your agenda. It is a vital and achievable goal, and it is a pre-requisite to successfully handling the many other issues facing the continent. Through its critical and sometimes adversarial relationship with governments, the press is a partner in your goal of achieving a democratic, prosperous, and free Africa.

Sincerely,

Committee to Protect Journalists

Faith Pansy Tlakula, African Union Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression

International Federation of Journalists (Africa Regional Office)
International Union of Francophone Press

The African editors Forum (TAEF)
Panafrican Press
Association (APPA)

African Journalists in Exile (JAFE)

West African Journalists Association

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