CPJ welcomes West African lawsuit against Senegal internet shutdowns
New York, February 13, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes the recent lawsuit filed against Senegal at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Court of Justice challenging Senegal’s internet shutdowns in 2023 and seeking to prevent further shutdowns in the country. “The case brought against Senegal at the ECOWAS court is an important…
4 Nigerian journalists charged with cybercrime, defamation over fraud investigation
Abuja, February 9, 2024—Authorities in Nigeria should immediately drop all charges against journalists Adisa-Jaji Azeez, Salihu Ayatullahi, Salihu Shola Taofeek, and Abdulrahman Taye Damilola, and allow them to work without fear of arrest, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Friday. On Tuesday, police officers arrested Azeez, managing director, and Ayatullahi, editor-in-chief, of the privately owned The Informant247 news website, over…
Ghanaian journalist Mohammed Aminu Alabira says NPP parliamentarian, party supporters punched and kicked him
Abuja, February 7, 2024—Authorities in Ghana must ensure an efficient and comprehensive investigation into the attack on journalist Mohammed Aminu M. Alabira and hold accountable those responsible, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. Alabira, a correspondent for privately owned broadcaster Citi FM, told CPJ he was covering the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) parliamentary…
Senegal delays election, authorities cut mobile internet, revoke Walf TV’s license, harass journalists
Dakar, February 5, 2024—Senegalese authorities must restore mobile internet access in the country and the broadcasting license of Walf TV, investigate and hold accountable those responsible for briefly detaining or harassing at least four journalists, and allow the press to report freely, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Monday. On Saturday, Senegalese President Macky…
Malawian investigative journalist Gregory Gondwe in hiding following threat of arrest
Lusaka, February 2, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists is alarmed by reports that the prominent Malawian investigative journalist Gregory Gondwe has gone into hiding, following threats of arrest over his coverage of the country’s military. “Investigative journalists like Gregory Gondwe play a vital role in ensuring good governance in a democratic society. Any attempts to…
After nearly 4 months in jail, Nigerian journalist Saint Mienpamo Onitsha freed on bail
Abuja, February 2, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists welcomes Thursday’s release on bail of Nigerian journalist Saint Mienpamo Onitsha and calls for authorities to drop all charges against him and reform the country’s laws to ensure journalism is not criminalized. “Saint Mienpamo Onitsha was detained for nearly four months simply for doing his job, which…
Botswana politicians dox 2 journalists by posting their personal data online
In separate incidents in November and December 2023, two politicians in Botswana posted to social media the personal phone numbers of journalists Kabo Ramasia and Kealoboga Dihutso after the reporters sought to interview them. The unwanted publication of personal information online—known as doxxing—is an increasingly common form of digital harassment of the press. On November…
In Guinea, journalists censored, expelled, arrested
Dakar, January 31, 2024— Guinean authorities should immediately reverse the suspension of Dépêche Guinée and the privately owned news website’s publishing director, Abdoul Latif Diallo, ensure journalists are not expelled or arrested over critical coverage, and ensure unhindered access to social media platforms, news sites, and broadcasters, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Wednesday. “Guinean authorities…
Rwandan journalist Dieudonné Niyonsenga says he was beaten, detained in ‘hole’
Nairobi, January 31, 2024—The Committee to Protect Journalists on Wednesday expressed alarm at reports that Dieudonné Niyonsenga had been tortured in a Rwandan prison and called on authorities to unconditionally release the journalist, who is serving a seven-year sentence. During a January 10, 2024, hearing at the court of appeal in the capital Kigali, Niyonsenga said that he was held under “inhumane” conditions in…
CPJ calls for probe into attack on Ghana radio journalist David Kobbena at ruling NPP office
Abuja, January 26, 2024—Authorities in Ghana should credibly investigate an attack on Cape FM morning show host David Kobbena at the offices of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) and ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable, the Committee to Protect Journalists said Friday. About 15 people, several of whom were wearing pro-NPP T-shirts, confronted…