In African hot spots, journalists forced into exile
By Tom Rhodes High numbers of local journalists have fled several African countries in recent years after being assaulted, threatened, or imprisoned, leaving a deep void in professional reporting. The starkest examples are in the Horn of Africa nations of Somalia, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, where dozens of journalists have been forced into exile. Zimbabwe, Rwanda,…
Attacks on the Press 2009: Africa Developments
ATTACKS ON THE PRESS: 2009 • Main Index AFRICA Regional Analysis: • In African hot spots, journalists forced into exile Country Summaries • DRC • Ethiopia • Gambia • Madagascar • Niger • Nigeria • Somalia • Uganda • Zambia • Zimbabwe • Other developments BOTSWANA A media law was enacted in January requiring government…
Rwandan minister: ‘It’s OK to be anti-government’
CPJ sat down recently with the Rwandan minister of information, Louise Mushikiwabo, who spoke of several media developments, including a new press law. “I am convinced the new legislation will help professionalize our media—there were many holes in the former law,” she told CPJ. Some, however, do not share her enthusiasm.
Attacks on the Press in 2008: Rwanda
On paper, Rwanda had more private newspapers and radio stations than at any point in its history. In practice, independent news coverage was minimal due to business woes and government intimidation. One critical editor was forced to flee the country, and a second was deported. Legislation pending in late year would stiffen accreditation requirements and…
Rwanda’s press under increasing intimidation
Dear Mr. President: As an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to upholding the principles of press freedom worldwide, we would like to express our concern about the increasing intimidation by your government of Rwanda’s independent media in the run-up to parliamentary elections scheduled for later this year.
Rwandan newspaper editor flees, publication suspended
New York, March 21, 2008—The founder and editor of the private bimonthly newspaper Umuco went into hiding Tuesday, a day before a police raid on his residence in Kigali. A police statement said Bonaventure Bizumuremyi faces prosecution on defamation charges for “insulting the president.” Police spokesman Willy Higiro made an announcement over Radio Rwanda on…