Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Federation of African Journalists president Faruk Osman has stressed the need for scribes to work in a secure environment as they bid to inform and uphold the right to access to information.

This as the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its Pan-African regional organization, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), urged the African Union and its relevant bodies to give priority to this issue, which is essential for maintaining press freedom on the continent.

The call was reiterated during a meeting chaired by Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, Permanent Representative of Cameroon to the African Union (AU) and the current Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), where the Council, among other, addressed the pressing issues of journalist protection and access to information in conflict situations across Africa for the first time.

FAJ president Omar Faruk Osman briefed the 15 members and various AU bodies on the dangerous conditions journalists in Africa endure, especially those in conflict zones.

Osman declared: “The decision by the AU Peace and Security Council is a beacon of hope for journalists across Africa in the face of dangers and conflicts. It signifies a crucial transformative step towards establishing a safe haven for media professionals who risk everything to shine a light on the darkest corners of our societies. We now have a clear and actionable commitment from the highest levels to protect not just the lives of journalists but also the fundamental freedoms that underpin our democracies. We will do everything it takes to see this outcome implemented to the letter.”

These include killings, harassment, arbitrary arrests, attacks on female journalists and widespread restrictions on access to information, severely affecting many African citizens, particularly in times of crisis.

Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, on behalf of the Peace and Security Council, issued a press statement after the meeting where the Council commended the journalists for their public interest work in promoting democracy, freedom of speech and political accountability and for contributing to the early warning which allowed for the prevention of conflicts; also commended the efforts of the AU Commission, the ACHPR and the APRM in promoting the role of journalists in contributing to peace, security and democracy and towards the development of Africa in ensuring human rights are upheld”.

He further expressed concern over the rising number of violent attacks and threats to journalists and humanitarian workers in conflict situations and condemned all violations and abuses committed; the Council further expressed solidarity and paid tribute to all journalists and humanitarian workers who lost their lives in duty and called Member States to ensure accountability for those who committed those crimes”
Journalists in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania have been harassed while at work in recent times.