by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
An NGO, ‘African Media Development Foundation’ (AMDF), has come up with measures put in place to strengthen freedom of the press, protection of journalists against violation and media industries in Africa.
This was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the 6th Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture Series organised by AMDF, on theme ‘Censorship And State Control: Analysis of Countries with Severe Press Freedom Restriction,’ held on Thursday, September 19th, 2024.
The annual lecture series, tagged, ‘Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture,’ organized by the Foundation, aimed at keeping the memory of Mr. James Bagauda Kaltho alive, a courageous and fearless Nigerian investigative journalist, who disappeared mysteriously in the course of his professional duties in 1996.
The communiqué was signed by Kouam Joel Honore of Africa News Correspondent, Cameroon; Mohamed Mohamud Abdi, Manager, Somali Light TV, Somalia and Sekyen Dadik the Executive Director, AMDF Kaduna, Nigeria, respectively.
Consequently, participants came up with far-reaching recommendations, among which include collaboration and advocacy to strengthened efforts to protect press freedom, adding that there should be strong collaboration between CSOs, NGOs, Journalists and Media Organizations in advocating for press freedom, monitoring violations, and raising awareness about the importance of a free press.
“Also, providing legal support by engaging Senior Advocates on Pro-Bono to stand for African journalists in the face of threats in their line of duty. This will go a long way in curbing the excesses of those in the corridor of power.
“Legislators, who are pro-people and pro-democracy, should be identified and leveraged to support press friendly laws,” it stated.
He added that,” NGOs and Media Development organizations should support the establishment of safety nets for journalists, including emergency funds, and psychological counselling, to support journalists facing threats, harassment, or imprisonment for their work.”
It also recommended “providing insurance coverage and training on digital security to enhance journalists’ safety in high-risk environments.”
Injustice and Impunity – It advised for providing much-needed relief to the families of slain journalists and strengthen press freedom in Nigeria.
“Participants called on the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Nigeria, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), to act on the February 16, 2024 Judgment of a Federal High Court in Abuja directing the AGF to re-open investigation and prosecution of the killings of several journalists, including James Bagauda Kaltho.
On Legal Reforms: “African Governments should review and amend laws that restrict press freedom, such as defamation laws, anti-terrorism laws, and media regulations. Reforms should be aimed at decriminalizing journalism, protecting journalists’ rights, and promoting freedom of expression.
On Protecting Journalists: “Authorities must take concrete steps to protect journalists from harassment, intimidation, violence, and arrest. This can be done by establishing mechanisms for reporting threats, providing security training for journalists, and holding perpetrators of attacks on journalists accountable.
Promoting Media Pluralism: “Governments should promote a diverse and independent media landscape by supporting the establishment of independent media outlets, ensuring fair access to information, and facilitating healthy competition among media organizations.
Transparency and Accountability: “Governments should uphold transparency and accountability in governance to enable journalists to report freely on issues of public interest without fear of reprisal.
“These include protecting whistle-blowers, ensuring access to government information, and fostering a culture of openness and accountability.
International Solidarity: “The international community, including regional bodies and foreign governments, should advocate for press freedom in African countries and support local efforts to promote a free and independent media. This can include diplomatic pressure, capacity-building initiatives, and funding support for media development projects.
Media Literacy: “Promoting media literacy among the public can help counter disinformation and propaganda, empower citizens to critically evaluate news sources, and support independent journalism. Education on media ethics and responsible reporting can also contribute to a more informed and engaged society,” it stated.
The communiqué also stressed that earlier, the virtual lecture, which attracted participants from the Media, the Academia and CSOs across the continent, presented paper on ‘Censorship and State Control: Press Freedom is Severely Restricted,’ delivered by Dr. Samson Omosotomhe, of the Department of Mass Communications, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
Awards were conferred on deserving journalists for their outstanding contributions to growth of journalist profession in Africa, during the memorial lecture.