Gabon suspends 2 newspapers critical of government
New York, August 6, 2012–The Committee to Protect Journalists condemns Friday’s decision by Gabon’s state-run media regulator to suspend two private newspapers for six months over criticism of top officials. In a press statement obtained by CPJ, the National Communications Council accused weeklies Ezombolo and La Une of disrespecting public institutions “and the personalities that…
Gabon journalists summoned over critical articles
New York, March 20, 2012–The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Gabon’s authorities to drop legal proceedings against six journalists in connection with articles raising questions about use of a presidential plane. Two of the journalists have fled the country fearing arrest after being summoned by police for interrogation.
Sub-Saharan Africa censors Mideast protests
As news of Middle Eastern and North African protests swirl around the globe, satellite television and the Internet prove vital sources of information for Africans as governments fearful of an informed citizenry and a free press such as in Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, and Zimbabwe impose total news blackouts on the developments.
In Gabon, faux news draws real censorship
Last week, Gabon’s government-controlled National Communications Council ordered the TV station of opposition leader André Mba Obame off the air for a period of three months. The ruling is without appeal and, typically, this is how authorities in this oil-rich equatorial African state silence critical news outlets. Except that, this time, the “reporting” for which the…
In Gabon, censorship lingers from 2009 vote
In Gabon, more than a year after the historic and contested presidential elections won by Ali Ben Bongo Ondimba, the main radio and television stations of Ondimba’s two main opponents still face administrative obstructions imposed during the polls, according to interviews CPJ conducted with journalists and officials between July and September.
Gabon’s press blossoms, faces financial challenges
I will never forget that morning of August 17, 1960, in Port-Gentil when I was awakened with a jolt by the screams: “Long live independence, long live freedom!” Yet Gabon would not see the emergence of an independent and pluralistic press until the democratization process of 1990.
CPJ, African groups call for press freedom commitment
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.