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Alerts - 2012 - Africa

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The Gambia

Police chief says long-missing journalist is in the US

The inspector general of police reportedly said that Interpol confirmed to Gambian authorities that Ebrimah "Chief" Manneh, a journalist with the Daily Observer who has been missing since 2006, is actually in the United States.

South Africa

FXI supports gallery's refusal to remove Zuma picture

We do not want to go back to a situation where art is censored because it offends the ruling party, or some take it upon themselves to dictate to others what is tasteful and acceptable, notes FXI.

Uganda

"Daily Monitor" journalist assaulted in prison, released on bail

Perez Rumanzi was assaulted by inmates of a crowded Ntugamo prison where he had been remanded.

Liberia

Reporter suspended from university for reporting on campus conflicts

In the letter of suspension, the university said Front Page Africa reporter Selma Lomax's article has the effect of inciting students against the administration.

Sudan

Repression intensifies after border violence

Sudan has stepped up harassment of journalists, censorship and arrests of political opponents in the wake of recent fighting with South Sudan.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio station closed

Radio Bangu's office in Bandundu City was closed following its failure to pay a US$5,571 licence tax.

Uganda

Video director gunned down in western Uganda

Thembo was shot dead by unidentified individuals who took his bag and video camera.

Rwanda

Radio presenter held pending trial

"We condemn Habarugira Epaphrodite’s placement in pre-trial detention for something he said on the air," RSF said.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED deplores suspension of Radio Liberté, calls for restraint

Eight journalists were arrested during the police raid on the station.

Zimbabwe

IFJ welcomes release of New Zealand photographer

Robin Hammond had been arrested while taking photos near the border with South Africa, in connection with a story on irregular migration between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Kenya

Journalist in western Kenya faces death threats

Joel Eshikumo said that unidentified callers had threatened him every night for a week, saying they would burn his house down and telling him to be prepared to die over the pictures he had taken in court.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Two journalists held by police in Kisangani

Sébastien Mulamba and Mbuyi Mukadi, both with the monthly Kisangani News, were arrested by plainclothes officers from police intelligence.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED warns of grave threats to Radio Okapi journalist's safety

JED calls on Congolese and UN authorities to take all necessary measures to guarantee Gisèle Kaj's physical safety.

Sudan

Journalist detained; newspapers confiscated

The NISS has not disclosed Faisal Mohamed Saleh's health, condition, or whereabouts and has denied him access to his family or a lawyer.

Burundi

Prosecutor requests life imprisonment for journalist charged with terrorism

"It has already been demonstrated that this court is neither competent nor impartial, so the request for a life sentence is further evidence that the trial is a travesty orchestrated by the government," RSF said.

Equatorial Guinea

Opposition figure wrongly convicted

Mansogo's prosecution was clearly opportunistic, designed to remove a vocal opponent from the political arena, and not supported by the facts of the incident in question, said Human Rights Watch.

Central African Republic

Press Freedom Day presidential pardon for jailed newspaper editor

The pardon came after the Union of Journalists announced they would refrain from commemorating World Press Freedom Day in protest against Samba's detention.

Somalia

Journalist murdered on eve of World Press Freedom Day

Farhan James Abdulle is the fifth journalist to be killed this year in Somalia, the deadliest country in Africa for the media.

Uganda

Journalist arrested by First Lady's security guards, risks sedition charges

When Perez Rumanzi demanded to know what crime he had committed, police told him he was "in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Togo

Journalist assaulted by security forces

Noel Kokou Tadégnon was attacked by security forces while filming a crackdown on demonstrators during the country's independence day celebration.

Nigeria

Extremist Islamic sect threatens to attack more media houses

Boko Haram posted a video on YouTube in which it warned of more attacks on media organisations and named the media institutions that will be targeted in future attacks.

Somalia

Radio station director released after being held without charge for 57 days

Voice of Peace director Awke Abdullahi Ali was reportedly freed because his health had declined sharply while in detention.

Zambia

Supporters of former ruling party jailed for assaulting TV crew

Abram Banda, Cephas Phiri, and Use Mukalipi, were jailed for three years with hard labour for committing aggravated robbery on a television crew from the privately-owned Muvi TV.

Somalia

IFJ condemns arrest of reporter, shooting of editor

Somaliland authorities reportedly accuse Darwish of "spreading false news."

Nigeria

Offices of daily bombed

The radical Islamic sect Boko Haram is suspected to have carried out the bombings as the attacks bear their imprint.

Ethiopia

Leading weekly's website blocked for past six days

"Website blocking is not new in Ethiopia, but a leading independent newspaper's site has never previously been affected," RSF noted.

Somalia

IFJ condemns arbitrary arrests of journalists

IFJ condemned the detention of two broadcast journalists and persistent acts of intimidation of media professionals in northern Somalia.

Uganda

Television journalist survives mob attack

Bukedde Television reporter Rebecca Nakame was attacked on the orders of a special police constable.

Liberia

Reporter attacked, threatened by legislator and staff

Scott said the legislator threatened to beat him up when spotted in the streets of Monrovia, and to use his power to ensure he is dismissed from Love FM Radio.

Nigeria

Gunmen kill cameraman

IPI calls for thorough investigation.

Guinea-Bissau

Military junta enforces media blackout

On the day of the coup, the coup makers forced all the media houses to close down.

Swaziland

Authorities crush pro-democracy protest

A planned pro-democracy protest was preemptively dispersed on 12 April through arrests and intimidation by police and military forces.

Kenya

Two journalists threatened for their reporting

Both journalists told CPJ that unidentified men had been following them, which had forced them to hide in an undisclosed location.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Screenings of documentary on assassinated human rights activist banned

Authorities' ordered a country-wide ban on screenings of "The Chebeya Affair: State Crime?", a documentary film abut the circumstances surrounding the trial of the killers of Floribert Chebeya.

Uganda

Journalist assaulted by police commander, another roughed up by group of officers

"Attacks on journalists are on the rise; some have since abandoned taking up assignments which involve reporting news stories about opposition politicians," warned HRNJ-Uganda.

Uganda

Two sports reporters injured by police during football match

"Police failed to act professionally; they acted like farmers with guns. I can't find any kind words for them today,” Nsubuga told HRNJ-Uganda after being discharged from hospital.

Comoros

Minister seizes newspaper supplement, suspends editor

"Any state media journalist who wants the freedom to write or speak has to conform to the government line, or have the intellectual honesty to work elsewhere, for a privately-owned news outlet," the minister said.

Swaziland

e.TV journalists detained

Journalist Tumaole Mohlaoli and cameraperson Meshack Dube were detained at a roadblock outside the capital and had their passports and equipment seized.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Wave of detentions in West Kasai province

JED denounced the intimidation of journalists by local national intelligence agency officials in Tshimbulu.

Rwanda

President should pardon journalists, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 urged the government to urgently revise its legislation, in particular the provisions on criminal defamation and incitement to genocide denial.

Equatorial Guinea

Press silent on unrest in Mali, Syria

Government censorship extends to coverage of any political unrest abroad.

Somalia

In Somaliland, two journalists detained without charge

Local journalists suspect Ahmed Ali Farah and Abdisaman Isse were arrested for their coverage of the Sool region.

Eritrea

Detained journalist admitted to hospital in serious condition

Journalist and poet Yirgalem Fisseha Mebrahtu was arrested during a raid on Radio Bana on 22 February 2009, during which its entire staff was detained.

Liberia

Journalist Mae Azango moves a nation

Azango told CPJ today that she is moving more freely but that she was still assessing the situation as her safety is still not guaranteed.

Somalia

Fourth journalist killed since year began

Unidentified assailants shot Mahad Salad Adan near his home in Beledweyne, the capital of the central region of Hiran, according to local journalists and news reports.

Nigeria

Magistrate orders assault and arrest of journalists

The reporters were at the Ikeja court to cover a story about deaths resulting from a series of ghastly accidents in Lagos, in 2010.

Uganda

"Walk to Work" group declared illegal

The action against Activists for Change (A4C) was taken ahead of a planned demonstration on 5 April.

Somalia

Draft Communications Act good, but needs wider consultation, says ARTICLE 19

The legislation is intended to lay the groundwork for regulation of the telecommunications industry and broadcasting sector in Somalia.

Somalia

Seven journalists wounded in suicide bombing at Mogadishu theatre

According to reports received by RSF, a woman carrying a concealed device blew herself up as she mingled with the crowd.

Uganda

Journalist struck by police vehicle, suffers serious injuries

"The environment for front line journalists is getting more dangerous by the day at the hands of police," said HRNJ-Uganda.

Sierra Leone

Rights groups urge passage of Freedom of Information Bill

The legislation would allow the public to obtain access to information held by public bodies including information that was previously inaccessible, or that was considered sensitive such as government contracts with multinational companies.

Cameroon

Officials stifling freedom of association, says Freedom House

A workshop held by SID'ADO, a registered civic organisation, focusing on human rights and sexual orientation was interrupted by demonstrators who declared that homosexuality is illegal in Cameroon and that the meeting would not take place.

Zimbabwe

Police arrest members of civic organisation

While legally, civic organisations are only required to obtain police clearance for expressly political meetings, others are frequently visited by police and intelligence officials who may monitor and interrupt proceedings or intimidate and even arrest organisers on spurious charges.

Mali

Journalists attacked in coup aftermath

"They threatened to kill me several times. They put their guns to my forehead and said they will blow my brains out," Ouahmane told CPJ.

Angola

Violent crackdown on critics

Since January, authorities have banned and cracked down on five anti-government rallies and arrested at least 46 protesters, 11 of whom courts sentenced to prison terms of up to 90 days. The increasing violence and threats raise concerns about 2012 elections.

Liberia

President's son threatens libel suit against newspaper

An article in the paper suggested Robert Sirleaf had reportedly seized five of Liberia's offshore oil blocks for commercial purposes.

Liberia

Two journalists arrested on mayor's orders

Mary Broh is quoted as saying that because the journalists used their connections with the police chief to ensure that her assigned officers were reprimanded, "That boy who calls himself a journalist will walk the streets of Monrovia crazy. . ."

Ethiopia

Journalist Eskinder Nega defends himself in court

IPI again condemns terrorism charges against journalists.

Uganda

More journalists assaulted by police while on assignment

I can't report to police, after all they are the ones attacking us,” one journalist told HRNJ-Uganda.

Swaziland

Proposed law would ban Facebook, Twitter users from insulting monarch

The justice minister proposed the legislation, informing the Senate the government would take a "tough" stance on those who criticise the king via social media and "set an example."

Côte d'Ivoire

Why is police intelligence holding opposition media executive?

The DST denied holding Savané, but his car is parked in the DST building's courtyard and several sources say he was taken there after his arrest.

Sierra Leone

District chairman forces radio off air, confiscates broadcast equipment

Radio Wanjei has been off air since 19 March 2012, when Sadiq Sallah stormed the station and seized their broadcasting equipment for allegedly breaching a contract with the Council.

Uganda

CBS journalist charged with criminal defamation

The former Kalangala district chairperson accused Ssembuusi of defamation after he reported a story about his alleged involvement in the disappearance of solar panels.

Ghana

Government reverses decision to boycott media group

A bitter stand-off between the government and the Accra-based independent media group Multimedia Group Limited has been resolved after a meeting between the two sides.

Somalia

Unknown gunmen shoot, injure journalist

Islamist insurgents Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the shooting, according to Somalimemo, a website that supports the Al-Qaeda-affiliated group.

Sudan

IPI condemns newspaper confiscations

The National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) is pursuing a new censorship strategy, journalist Abdelgadir Mohammed Abdelgadir told IPI.

Mali

Soldiers shut down news media following coup

The headquarters of the state radio and TV broadcaster ORTM were occupied by renegade soldiers and broadcasts by many other radio and TV stations were interrupted as a result of the military coup against President Amadou Toumani Touré.

Uganda

Police rough up human rights advocate, beat journalists covering opposition leader's arrest

Freelance photographer Edward Echwalu and "Eddoboozi" newspaper photographer Anatoli Luswa were victims of police brutality.

Mali

With coup, quiet #Mali generates noise on Twitter

(CPJ/IFEX) - March 22, 2012 - The following is a CPJ blog spot:

Democratic Republic of Congo

Belgian journalist Thierry Michel takes on impunity

Although four of the eight indicted policemen were convicted for the murder of Chebeya, the victims' widows were stunned by the verdict. Virtually no one believed that justice had been done.

Kenya

Police assault three journalists, detain one

At least 10 police officers in plainclothes surrounded "Daily Nation" reporter Suleiman Mbatiah, after he took photographs of an undercover traffic operation in Nakuru.

Zimbabwe

Six activists sentenced for watching Arab Spring video

Human Rights Watch called for the dropping of all charges in this politically motivated case.

Mauritius

Island republic's television stations a "tool of the government," says president

Television in Mauritius has become nothing more than a government tool for managing public opinion, the island republic's president declared as he called for reform to allow the establishment of independent television broadcasters.

Gabon

Journalists summoned over critical articles

Two of the journalists have fled the country fearing arrest after being summoned by police for interrogation.

Nigeria

Reporter threatened over coverage of Islamist sect

Ahmad Salkida, who has extensively covered the conflict between the government and the Islamist sect Boko Haram, says he has been followed and his life is under threat.

Malawi

Arrest of human rights official part of larger crackdown

There is widespread speculation that Kapito was arrested in order to prevent him from testifying at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva at which Malawi's final human rights report will be presented as a part of the Universal Periodic Review process.

Uganda

Legislators rescind decision preventing media from using electronic devices in Parliament

The bi-partisan reversal came as a result of pressure and intense lobbying on the part of the Uganda Parliamentary Press Association.

Uganda

Legislators prevent media from accessing Parliament with video and still cameras, electronic recorders

Journalists asked the Rules and Privileges Committee to allow the media to carry their electronic gadgets along with them into the House to capture MPs’ debates, in order to avoid misquotations and possible defamation - a request that was denied.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Television station attacked, programme host in hiding

Radio Télévision Kindu Maniema was attacked on 20 March by a dozen men who doused its satellite antenna and a car on the premises in fuel, and set them on fire before fleeing the scene.

Ghana

Political activist detained over allegations against first lady

(MFWA/IFEX) - March 19, 2012 - A ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) activist, Ernest Owusu Bempah, a fiery critic of President Atta Mills' administration, was on March 14, 2102 detained on charges of “publishing false information with the intent to cause fear and alarm” in Accra. On March 16, two days after his arrest, he was granted police inquiry bail.

Sierra Leone

TV cameraman assaulted by opposition party supporters

MFWA) correspondent reported that without provocation the SLPP supporters attacked Cole while he was filming persons being interviewed by his colleague Kargbo at the opposition party's headquarters.

Uganda

WBS TV journalist threatened with death while on assignment

"We take the threats seriously and condemn this act in the strongest terms; we implore police to take the matter seriously and take action to restrain Ddamulira," said HRNJ-Uganda.

Uganda

Government report exonerates police in shooting of "Daily Monitor" photojournalist

Kasamani says he narrowly escaped death when a policeman allegedly shot at him on 24 January as he took a photo of a tear gas canister thrown as police dispersed demonstrators.

West Africa

Nigeria's attorney-general advocates adoption of regional free expression legal framework

The document is considered to be a progressive one that will contribute to the expansion and consolidation of the democratic tenets of freedom of expression and citizens’ right to have access to information in the region.

Angola

Police raid weekly's office, seize computers

The raid at the independent weekly "Folha 8" was conducted in connection with a politicised investigation into the publication of a satirical photo montage and effectively crippled the operations of one of the country's two remaining independent publications.

Nigeria

Islamic sect threatens three newspapers

Boko Haram, which has claimed responsibility for numerous bombings in several cities in northern Nigeria in recent months, has threatened to take action against three

Zimbabwe

Four journalists arrested while covering pollution story

Sidney Saize, Andrew Mambondiani, Chengetai Murimwa and Admire Matende expect to face charges.

Malawi

MISA-Malawi chair receives threats over stance on media freedom

Anthony Kasunda is receiving threats from unknown persons over the MISA chapter's stance on the government's repeated attacks on the media.

Uganda

Criminal libel case against CBS journalist fails to take off

Ronald Ssembuusi has been involved in a lengthy court case after he reported on alleged corruption in the Kalangala district.

Liberia

Reporting on genital mutilation draws threats

Mae Azango, a reporter for the daily "FrontPage Africa" and the news website New Narratives, told CPJ she had gone into hiding after receiving several threats for an article she published about tribes practicing female genital mutilation on as many as two out of every three girls in the country.

Malawi

Official calls for boycott after media outlets criticise government policies

MISA is concerned that threats to withdraw advertising will threaten the vibrancy of the country's private-sector media outlets and by extension, the country's nascent democracy.

Malawi

MISA concerned about growing intolerance of media freedom

MISA has expressed deep concern over what it considers serious threats to media freedom and freedom of expression in the country.

Togo

Police assault photojournalist

In a telephone interview with CPJ, Minister of Security Colonel Dokissime Gnama Latta downplayed the assault as a "Little scratch."

Tanzania

Writer, senior editors face sedition charges

MISA notes that Tanzania has a progressive and functioning media council that could have been engaged by the state in order to seek redress. That the charges are based on the Newspaper Act speaks to the need for continuous review and tangible reform of legislation that governs media operations in the country.

Zimbabwe

War veterans threaten "NewsDay" newspaper

Leaders of the war veterans' association threatened to shut down the privately-owned newspaper unless it discloses the sources of a story alleging that former liberation war fighters had attempted to dig up the remains of a former colonial leader.

Zimbabwe

"Daily News" banned in rural areas

Copies of the newspaper were also reportedly torn in Kadoma by "identified Zanu PF supporters" after they accused a vendor of selling the newspaper close to a shop owned by a Zanu-PF official.

Malawi

Information minister threatens journalist, alleges espionage within media fraternity

MISA is gravely concerned about the information minister's condescending behaviour towards journalists, coming as it does against the backdrop of a rapidly declining democratic culture in Malawi.

Nigeria

Broadcast regulator bans TV station from live-streaming programmes on website

(MRA/IFEX) - March 6, 2012 - The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Nigeria's broadcast sector regulator, has banned the state government owned television station Ogun State Television (OGTV) from its "unilateral commencement of the streaming of OGTV's signal on the web without the approval of the Commission."

Democratic Republic of Congo

Goma-based journalist receives death threats, fears for his life

Tuver Wundi began receiving threats after participating in a Goma radio station's cultural programme.

Somalia

Radio station closed, media director arrested in Puntland

Journalists believe that Puntland authorities were angered by the radio station's broadcasting of an interview with Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Mus'ab, spokesperson of Al-Shabaab militias who are fighting Puntland forces.

Somalia

NUSOJ outraged over murder of young journalist in Galkayo

Ali Ahmed Abdi, 26, was shot dead by hooded gunmen while walking in the Is-Raac neighborhood of northern Galkayo.

Guinea

Journalist violently assaulted by gendarmes

MFWA is concerned that despite the progress in respect for media rights following the return to civilian rule after decades of dictatorship, journalists are attacked with impunity by state security agents.

Senegal

Journalists threatened, assaulted amid election

CPJ has documented at least 12 incidents of threats and physical harm against journalists reporting on the presidential election campaign, Sunday's vote and its aftermath.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Kinshasa-based broadcaster back on the air after three-month closure

JED is deeply dismayed by the station's unjustified three-month closure, which highlights the authorities' contempt for media and the thousands of people who were denied news broadcasts over several months.

Somalia

Somaliland reporter arrested, beaten in custody; two others released

While in custody, Abdirahman was beaten by four police officers with sticks and the butt of a gun until he lost consciousness, local journalists and news reports said.

Zimbabwe

Freedom House condemns arrest of WOZA members

WOZA leader Jenni Williams has been arrested nearly 50 times and has repeatedly been a target for mistreatment and harassment while in police custody.

Somalia

Radio station director murdered in Mogadishu

According to eyewitnesses, Abukar Hassan Mohamoud was murdered by two men armed with pistols who shot him five times at his Mogadishu home.

Ethiopia

Future of last remaining human rights monitoring NGO in the balance

Amnesty International, ARTICLE 19, CIVICUS, East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project and Human Rights Watch call upon the Supreme Court to protect the rights of all human rights organisations to conduct their legitimate and essential work, including through unrestricted access to their funds.

Liberia

Three newspaper publishers ordered to appear in court

"Frontpage Africa", "Daily Graphics" and "The News" have been ordered to court to explain why they should not be held in contempt in connection with a malpractice story.

Sudan

Newspaper suspended indefinitely, three other papers' print runs seized

ANHRI denounces "organised campaign aimed at silencing all voices opposed to the regime."

Sudan

Security forces seize independent daily's entire print run

Security forces raided the Khartoum headquarters of "al-Tayar" newspaper on 19 February and seized the paper's entire print run.

Liberia

Former senator files US$5 million libel suit against newspaper

The former senator takes exception to a recent "Independent" story headlined, "Nathaniel Williams Evicted for Owing 4 Months' Rent."

Somalia

NUSOJ condemns new communications law as a "licence to restrict" independent broadcasting and media freedom

NUSOJ believes that the legislative process was not sufficiently consultative, and expresses fears that the resultant legislation will be used to undermine independent broadcasting.

Somalia

Two more journalists arrested in continuing crackdown

Police accuse Mohamed Abdi Hassan and Hassan Omar Hassan of "spreading false news”, a standard charge by the authorities for the publication of news they do not like.

Burundi

Defence rights flouted in terrorism case involving RFI reporter

A reporter for Bonesha FM and RFI's Swahili-language service, Hassan Ruvakuki was arrested on 28 November 2011 after interviewing an alleged rebel group member.

Uganda

Minister shuts down rights workshop

LGBT group denied freedom of assembly, expression.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Radio Télévision Catholique, pro-opposition broadcasters allowed back on air

Three broadcasters are back on the air following a two-day suspension of their activities.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Catholic broadcaster shut down ahead of protest march

The closure order came one day before a planned protest march organised by Catholic church members to denounce election results.

Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda demands investigation of judge's conduct towards journalists

“Justice Mwonda takes it upon herself to systematically block the eyes and ears of the public under unclear circumstances; this conduct is an insult to the media and it greatly impedes our work,” said HRNJ-Uganda.

Equatorial Guinea

Opposition figure held without charge

Human Rights Watch expressed concern that Dr. Wenceslao Mansogo Alo's continued detention could be motivated by his profile as a human rights activist and opposition politician, rather than any credible evidence that he committed a crime.

Liberia

Police officer brutalises "New Dawn" reporter

The reporter sustained bruises to his body as the police officer dragged him from his car and wrestled his camera from him.

Togo

"Tribune d'Afrique" journalist interrogated for six hours, fears for his safety

"Tribune d'Afrique" decided to suspend publication in Togo for one week in protest against police harassment of its staff.

Tanzania

Activists detained over illegal assembly

Sixteen human rights activists were detained in Dar es Salaam on allegations of illegal assembly and breach of peace.

Nigeria

Airport officials lock out journalists, hold equipment

Officials of the State Security Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs protocol department have denied over 60 journalists reporting from the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos access to their cameras, voice recorders and other tools of their trade.

Mauritania

ANHRI condemns detention of activist

Wan Biran, coordinator of the Do Not Touch My Nationality movement, was detained while visiting his brother in the National Hospital.

Uganda

Court acquits “Daily Monitor” editors

A Kampala court threw out forgery charges against managing editor Daniel Kalinaki and political editor Henry Ochieng.

Nigeria

French journalists detained, thrown out of restive state

TFI journalist Jeremie Drieu and his local colleague Ahmad Salkida were in Jos to report on the recent unrest there when they were detained by soldiers who took them to a command center where they faced “increasingly hostile interrogation”, AP reported.

Cameroon

Coup charges against writer dropped, still faces military tribunal

There have been worrying allegations that the evidence against Enoh Meyomesse is fabricated.

Malawi

New report highlights ongoing press freedom challenges, says MISA

The Malawi Broadcasting Corporation gained notoriety for serving only President Bingu wa Mutharika while shutting out other independent voices.

Zimbabwe

Foreign newspapers to be banned

The Zimbabwe Media Commission reportedly aims to stop foreign newspapers without local offices from circulating in the country.

Côte d'Ivoire

Two detained journalists released

Charles Sanga and Jean-Claude Coulibaly were detained after they refused to disclose the source of a leaked story that ran in "Le Patriote" earlier in the week.

Djibouti

Radio journalist threatened and tortured for 24 hours

Farah Abadid Hildid was previously detained and tortured twice in 2011, and in the first instance was held for more than four months on a charge of “participating in an insurrectional movement.”

Kenya

WiPC interview with Robert Wanyonyi on witnessing and reporting on crime

Cathal Sheerin of the Writers in Prison Committee of PEN International interviewed the journalist about reporting on an alleged massacre carried out by local police officers and the repercussions of his work.

Kenya

ARTICLE 19 publishes analysis of Freedom of Information Bill

The draft bill is a positive step in the process of guaranteeing the right to access to information, but ARTICLE 19 encourages the government to amend several problematic sections before it is enacted.

Côte d'Ivoire

Newspaper editor arrested for publishing "confidential information"

Charles Sanga was arrested due to an article published in "Le Patriote", which stated that the Constitutional Council had decided to annul parliamentary elections in 11 districts where results had been disputed; information that had not yet been announced publicly.

Senegal

Rights activist detained over opposition protests

Alioune Tine, a human rights defender and political activist who was arrested and detained for organizing a demonstration against the third-term bid of President Abdoulaye Wade, was released without charge on January 30, 2012 after a 72-hour detention.

Somalia

NUSOJ outraged over live radio broadcast that exposed journalists to danger

Some journalists have been receiving death threats following the airing of an off-the-record discussions between the press and a military commander.

Somalia

Senior journalist murdered

Hassan Osman Abdi was shot dead in what some believe to be a targeted attack on the evening of 28 January 2012 as he arrived at his home in Madina district in Mogadishu.

Central African Republic

Editor sentenced to 10 months in jail on libel charge

The court also ordered Ferdinand Samba to pay 15,000 euros in damages and a fine of 1,500 euros, and banned "Le Démocrate" from publishing for one year.

Somalia

Information minister speaks out against NUSOJ's Annual Report

The information ministry denied the use of the repressive measures against journalists that NUSOJ highlighted in the report.

Ethiopia

Blogger risks death penalty as judge confirms charges

Eskinder Nega will stand trial in March for all of the terrorism accusations initially advanced by prosecutors, a federal high court judge ruled.

Ethiopia

CORRECTION: Death penalty for blogger, prison for journalists

The three journalists were charged in September with lending support to an underground network of banned opposition groups, which has been criminalized under the country's 2009 antiterrorism law.

Zimbabwe

Charges against MMPZ staffers reduced

If convicted of the remaining charge, the staffers will be liable for paying a fine or imprisonment for a period not exceeding one year, or both.

Uganda

Police officer shoots at journalist

The officer shot at Isaac Kasamani as he took a photograph of a teargas canister thrown near Forum for Democratic Change leader Kizza Besigye's car.

Central African Republic

Editor jailed in politicised case

Police arrested Ferdinand Samba, top editor of the private daily "Le Démocrate", due to the paper's critical coverage of a presidential relative who also serves as the government's finance minister.

Namibia

Newspaper faces defamation charges

The Windhoek High Court has ruled that a defamation claim against "The Namibian" can proceed.

Uganda

Radio journalist attacked at gunpoint in front of his family

Though the motive of the attackers is as yet unclear, Gideon Tugume has reportedly been trailed by unknown individuals recently.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Community radio station back on air after three-month suspension

While the previous suspension was lifted, RCTK's director and journalists were warned to "respect the measures in place, or risk a definitive closure."

Cameroon

Writer detained, faces up to 50 years in prison

There are allegations that the charges of "attempting a coup," "possessing a firearm," and "aggravated theft" faced by Enoh Meyomesse are based on fabricated evidence.

Senegal

Two journalists given suspended prison terms

"Le Quotidien" editor Mamadou Biaye and reporter Mamadou Ticko Diatta were given handed three-month prison terms over a story alleging that the deputy mayor of the district had links to an armed separatist group.

Nigeria

TV reporter killed while covering Kano suicide bombings

Enenche Godwin Akogwu was gunned down shortly after the bombings while he tried to interview victims outside Farm central police station.

Uganda

Three journalists assaulted as police arrest opposition politicians

Michael Kigozi of Radio One, K-FM journalist Hadijah Mwanje and Nasser Kayanja of Radio Simba were assaulted by several individuals, including law enforcement officers.

Somalia

Al-Shabaab militant group conducts illegal raid on radio station, abducts journalist

Journalist Ayub Yusuf Dalmar was abducted during the takeover of Radio Afgoye while several pieces of equipment were taken from the station's studios.

Ethiopia

Journalists convicted under anti-terror legislation

Reyot Alemu, Wubshet Taye, and Elias Kifle could face the death penalty for calling for protest against the government in their writings.

Senegal

Jailed opposition activist receives presidential pardon

Malick Noel Seck was jailed for two years on October 20, 2011 over a protest letter he wrote to the Constitutional Court, asking it to reject the third-term candidacy of President Abdoulaye Wade for the 2012 presidential election.

The Gambia

Former minister gets life imprisonment for demanding an end to the dictatorship

Amadou Scattered Janneh was convicted of treason and sentenced him to life imprisonment with hard labour while three others, Modou Keita, Ebrima Jallow, and Michael C. Ucheh Thomas, were handed three-year sentences by the court.

Sudan

Two private newspapers shut down by authorities

Within two weeks, two independent and opposition newspapers, "Alwan" and "Rai al-Shaab", have been closed by security forces without explanation.

Nigeria

Call for release of labour activists

The authorities are urged to investigate state involvement in breaking up a peaceful union meeting and arresting two union activists in October in an apparent bid to silence them.

Nigeria

#OccupyNigeria protesters take on news media coverage

Protesters descended on the studios of at least two prominent broadcasters to demand more balanced coverage of the citizens' movement.

Liberia

"National Chronicle" editor briefly detained, faces criminal complaint

Edward Mortee faces a criminal coercion charge in connection with a story alleging that the National Police chief was involved in an arrest.

Ghana

National security officials violently assault photojournalists

Armed operatives of the national intelligence agency violently assaulted Gifty Lawson as she attempted to cover the bail hearing of a senior police officer who was a prime suspect in a missing cocaine scandal that hit the country.

Somalia

TV station raided, journalists detained

Police raided HornCable TV in Hargeisa and forced its broadcasts off the air and then detained eight journalists who protested the raid.

Somalia

Journalists released

IFJ remains concerned about the media crackdown in the region and calls for the release of the four journalists still in detention.

Equatorial Guinea

Concern about rights violations on eve of Africa Cup

The government cracks down on political opponents, intimidates journalists, and disregards due process, Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists said.

Uganda

Police beat up journalist, delete photos and charge him with trespassing

Frank Ezaruk was covering a story about land in Manilamintwiea where people were evicted in 1920.

Côte d'Ivoire

Human remains found not to be those of missing journalist

DNA tests have established that the remains of a body found in Côte d’Ivoire were not those of Franco-Canadian journalist Guy-André Kieffer after all.

The Gambia

Newspaper journalist charged with criminal defamation

Mamadou Jallow was charged after he alleged a local chief gave a government-sponsored ticket to the Hajj to his lover.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Newspapers suspended on alleged administrative violations

"Kisangani News" and "Journal de la paix" are accused of violating the 1996 media law; editors at both papers maintain the charges are political.

Somalia

Journalists detained, barred from traveling in Somaliland

Somaliland police arrested Abdqani Hassan Farah after he aired a news report about a clan meeting in the town of Taleh in the Sool region.

Democratic Republic of Congo

RFI returns to airwaves

The suspension of broadcasts by the station had aroused international protests, notably from France and the United States.

Côte d'Ivoire

Human remains found could be those of missing journalist Guy-André Kieffer

The body was found after a tip-off in a village in the western region of Issia.

Gabon

Two media outlets suspended for opposition coverage

The state-run National Communication Council announced on national public television the suspension of Obame-owned broadcaster TV+ for three months and the private weekly "Echos Du Nord" for two months.

Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda condemns assault on journalist by police

Emmanuel Opio was assaulted by the Deputy Regional Police Commander while covering a story regarding the interrogation of four suspects by the police during a demonstration protesting lack of electricity in their region.

Somalia

Puntland authorities urged to explain detention of journalists

Security personnel in the port city of Bossasso arrested Radio Daljir producer Mohamed Ahmed and reporter Yusuf Ali as they were returning home from their night shift on 1 January.

Rwanda

Proposed media law fails to safeguard free press

ARTICLE 19 welcomes several improvements in the draft, but calls on the government to bring the law into full compliance with international legal standards on the right to freedom of expression.

Democratic Republic of Congo

RFI broadcasts suspended over election coverage

Authorities shut down broadcasts of the French government-funded station after it reported on opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi's staged swearing-in ceremony.

Sudan

Human Rights Watch calls for end to violence against peaceful protesters

Authorities were urged to immediately release detained activists, opposition members, and others arrested because of their political opinions, or charge them with appropriate crimes.

Côte d'Ivoire

TV presenter provisionally released after being held for five months

Hermann Aboa continues to face prosecution on charges of threatening the nation’s defences, attacking and conspiring against state authorities, undermining national territorial integrity, participating in an armed band, participating in an insurrectional movement and attacking public order.