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Campaigns and Advocacy - Central and Eastern Africa

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Ethiopia

Obama should raise press freedom in Africa food talks, says CPJ

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's government downplays food crises by denying journalists access to sensitive areas and censoring independent coverage.

Somalia

IFJ welcomes landmark ACHPR resolution on protection of journalists

The resolution calls on authorities and armed groups to end ongoing violations against journalists, media practitioners and organisations.

Take action! - Ethiopia

Demand the release of journalist Eskinder Nega

Join in the call for the release of Ethiopian journalist and blogger Eskinder Nega who could face the death penalty if convicted. Sign the petition

Joint action - Ethiopia

Thirty-two IFEX members urge authorities to release journalist Eskinder Nega

On 1 May, jailed journalist Eskinder Nega, facing the death penalty, receives in absentia the 2012 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award. Thirty-two IFEX members are calling for his release, and an end to the use of national security legislation against all writers and journalists.

Somalia

World Press Freedom Day 2012: The story of Mohamed Ibrahim

In Somalia, a nation of ever-shifting fortunes, the first few months of 2012 have been particularly deadly for the media.

Ethiopia

IPI World Press Freedom Heroes condemn imprisonment of journalist Eskinder Nega

Renowned journalists call for an end to the persecution of journalists in Ethiopia.

Ethiopia / Awards / International

PEN awards top prize to jailed journalist Eskinder Nega

Nega, who was arrested in September 2011, is being tried under the country's sweeping anti-terror legislation and faces the death penalty if convicted.

Djibouti

RSF asks UN rapporteur to help end journalist's torture

Mendez was urged to intervene on behalf of radio journalist Farah Abadid Hildid, who works for the Europe-based station La Voix de Djibouti.

Uganda

Government paying lip service to UPR mechanism, deplores HRNJ-Uganda

It is over 120 days since the government pledged to implement 170 recommendations in the area of human rights during the review at the Universal Periodic Review in Geneva in October 2011, but Uganda still falls well short of implementation.

Ethiopia

Ban Ki-moon should speak out on imprisoned journalists, says IPI

In an open letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, IPI asks him to speak out against the use of anti-terrorism legislation against media members.

Somalia

"Stop the bloodbath, protect journalists and free expression," UN Human Rights Council told

At a side event held at the 19th session of the UNHRC in Geneva, NUSOJ, IFJ, ITUC and RSF highlighted attacks on journalists' rights and free expression, and exposed authorities' inability to prevent, investigate and punish perpetrators of crimes against journalists.

Uganda

Admit UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression, urges HRNJ-Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda is shocked by the government's rejection of recommendations made to it during the Universal Periodic Review Mechanism to admit the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression to visit the country and assess the human rights situation.

Eritrea

RSF lawyer pleas on behalf of imprisoned journalists

The plea demonstrated that national laws and international treaties should provide protection to Dawit Isaac and his detained colleagues.

Ethiopia

Following fact-finding mission, RSF reports on press freedom situation in the country

in the course of its observations and the interviews it conducted during its visit, RSF confirmed that freedom of expression has been on the wane for some time.

Burundi

Three questions to Radio Publique Africaine manager Eric Manirakiza

RSF asked Manirakiza about the situation of journalists in Burundi, which has worsened markedly this year, and about the government's increasing harassment of the media.

Rwanda

President must reject draft penal code, says ARTICLE 19

The organisation is concerned about provisions that do not comply with international standards on freedom of expression, especially those relating to criminal defamation, protection of national security, access to reproductive health information and genocide ideology.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED warns of deteriorating media climate in open letter to broadcast regulator

JED accused the media council and electoral commission of indifference in the face of a "serious deterioration of democracy".

Joint action - Eritrea

Thirty-one IFEX members call on authorities to disclose whereabouts of journalist Dawit Isaak

After hearing rumours of the death of Dawit Isaak, an Swedish-Eritrean journalist held without charge for ten years, 31 members of IFEX are asking President Isaias Afewerki to confirm that he is still alive and if so, to release him from prison.

Joint action - Democratic Republic of Congo

Attacks on journalists on the increase since start of election campaign

In a letter to the interior minister, RSF and JED expressed concern over the increase in violence against media workers since the start of the election campaign.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED announces media monitoring programme as presidential election campaign officially launched

In 2006, violent clashes between supporters of the two main presidential candidates were attributed - in some cases justifiably - to media outlets who inflamed tensions with incendiary comments and incitement to hatred and violence.

Democratic Republic of Congo

JED announces launch of "Rapid Alert Network" to prevent attacks on press freedom

At a meeting between media experts and public figures organised by JED, participants agreed to launch a Rapid Alert Network, aimed at preventing serious attacks on press freedom in the period leading up to elections.

Uganda

Spotlight on human rights means no more hiding, says ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 urges Uganda to use the occasion of the Universal Periodic Review as an opportunity to review and repeal unduly restrictive freedom of expression legislation and address the issue of violence against journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents.

Eritrea

No one can continue to ignore the regime's brutality, says RSF

RSF has launched an international ad campaign marking the 10th anniversary of the round-ups of journalists and closure of all the privately-owned print media.

Take action! - Eritrea

Demand freedom for Dawit Isaak

Twenty-third September marks 10 years since the Swedish-Eritrean journalist and writer Dawit Isaak was imprisoned in Eritrea. His crime? He worked for an independent newspaper that reported on demands for democratic reforms. There has never been a trial, a charge or a sentence against him. IFEX members and supporters are asking that you take part in a week of action to demand his freedom.

Rwanda / France

RSF protests President Kagame's visit to Paris

RSF activists demonstrated outside the Hotel Ritz in Paris, where Kagame was scheduled to have breakfast with a delegation of French businessmen, in protest against his visit to France.

Democratic Republic of Congo

IFEX calls on President Kabila to address recent death threats against JED

On 26 August 2011, Donat M'Baya Tshimanga and Tshivis Tshivuadi received an e-mail threatening them and their families.

Uganda

Civil society seeks independent inquiry into April killings

A broad coalition of 105 human rights, media, and development organisations urged the president to invite the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions.

Uganda

ARTICLE 19 calls on East African Community to discuss Uganda's human rights record

During May 2011 alone, at least nine people died following brutal attacks by state security agents and many more were injured, including journalists.

Joint action - Eritrea

Thirty-three IFEX members condemn continued persecution of imprisoned journalists

The detained journalists are held without charges and forced to endure terrible conditions such as extended periods in the sun and denial of medication.

Joint action - Somalia

Thirty IFEX members sign letter to authorities regarding attacks against journalists

IFEX members condemn the increased attacks and judicial harassment against Somali journalists and media organisations.

Somalia

NUSOJ urges Transitional Federal Government to accept UN recommendations to improve free expression situation

"It is our hope that the TFG will accept the recommendations from the UN Human Rights Council in order to improve the freedom of expression situation in the country," says NUSOJ.

Somalia

NUSOJ World Press Freedom Day statement

To commemorate this day, NUSOJ celebrates the indispensable role that journalists play in Somali society in the face of an increasing wave of repression.

Eritrea

IFJ joins Federation of African Journalists' Press Freedom Day call for release of journalists

The situation of freedom of expression has been steadily deteriorating as it is estimated that some 30 journalists have been detained, without charges, since the government imposed a ban on independent media in September 2001.

Ethiopia

EFJA cites international support as key to improving press freedom

"We have appreciated IFEX members' condemnations of the Ethiopian government's repressive measures against the organisation," says EFJA President Kifle Mulat.

Rwanda

ARTICLE 19 calls for improvement of law on protection of whistleblowers

ARTICLE 19 commends the initiative to develop a dedicated law on this subject but at the same time expresses concern about the creation of a series of criminal offences which could see persons making 'bad faith disclosures' jailed for extensive periods.

Uganda

HRNJ-Uganda flags government failure to honour free expression commitments in advance of UPR

Uganda, a member of the UN Human Rights Council, is up for a review of its human rights situation in October 2011 under the Universal Periodic Review mechanism.

Uganda

ARTICLE 19 raises freedom of expression concerns for upcoming Universal Periodic Review

ARTICLE 19 highlighted the restrictive legislation related to the media and freedom of expression; the failure of the government to implement the access to information legislation; and the frequent attacks on journalists, human rights defenders and political opponents.

Joint action - Uganda

Thirty-four IFEX members urge President Museveni to respect press freedom in lead-up to general elections

The signing organisations are alarmed by the decreasing space for the voices of journalists and opposition parties during the run-up to the 18 February 2011 general elections.

Somalia

IFJ highlights media safety crisis at international conference on Somalia

IFJ called on the international community to give priority to measures to protect journalists as the transitional period of the Transitional Federal Government comes to an end in August 2011.

Rwanda

Government promises to bring freedom of expression laws in line with international standards

At a recent Universal Periodic Review (UPR) session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), Rwandan Minister of Justice Tharcisse Karugarama accepted that there was an immediate need for a review of several laws that restrict freedom of expression in the country.

Rwanda

Call for 33-year jail term for journalist alarms world's press

Journalists Agnès Uwimana Nkusi and Saidath Mukakibibi are being tried on a range of charges including genocide denial, inciting public disorder, insulting the president and spreading false rumours.

Burundi

CPJ meets with jailed journalist, calls for his release

CPJ made the call at a press conference marking the end of a four-day mission to Burundi.

Somalia

NUSOJ makes submission to UN Universal Periodic Review

The submission documented widespread and routine violations of the right to freedom of expression, particularly freedom of the press.

Joint action - Somalia

Thirty-one IFEX members and 25 other groups call on the President of Puntland to respect freedom of expression

Since Abdirahman Mohamed Farole became president on 11 January 2009, journalists have been arrested, physically assaulted, suspended, censored and even killed, and the operations of news media organisations have been threatened, closed or restricted.

Eritrea

Detained journalist's brother and RSF tell Sweden and EU they are legally bound to actively seek his release

"The legal opinion shows that both Sweden and the European Union are obliged to use all possible means to help their citizen, Dawit Isaac," Esayas Isaac said.

Joint action - Uganda

Twenty-eight IFEX members voice concern about journalists' safety in the lead up to the elections

With increased reports of killings, beating, assaults and threats to journalists, the space under which media exercise their fundamental rights and freedoms is increasingly being narrowed.

Somalia

NUSOJ calls on UNHRC for dedicated action to end free expression violations and the culture of impunity in Somalia

"There will be no peace without justice for human rights", said NUSOJ president Omar Faruk Osman.

Joint action - Uganda

Freedom of expression groups call on Uganda to improve press freedoms

The International Joint Partnership Freedom of Expression mission, composed of five IFEX members, released findings and recommendations from a mission to Kampala to address the deteriorating environment for freedom of expression.

Somalia

Stop hostilities, embrace peace: NUSOJ statement on International Day of Peace

Twenty-two journalists have been killed in Somalia since February 2007, with 20 of them being killed in the war-ravaged regions of southern and central Somalia, NUSOJ noted.

Eritrea

Journalists still hunted down nine years after September 2001 purges

RSF wrote to the British authorities urging them to prosecute one of the purge's organisers, who now lives in Britain.

Uganda

One year after government crackdown, media still under siege

The anniversary comes at a time when media freedom is facing attacks ranging from suffocating legislation, police harassment, murder and judicial sanctions.

Joint action - Democratic Republic of Congo

Thirty-one IFEX members call on President Kabila to end persecution and harassment of journalists and media

There has been a steady decline in the working environment for Congolese journalists and the space for free expression is shrinking.

Joint action - Uganda

Thirty-one IFEX members and global partners demand retraction of proposed amendment to Press and Journalists Act

The proposed amendment would restrict freedom of expression and impede the ability of journalists and media outlets to fulfill their important roles.

Somalia

NUSOJ welcomes Amnesty International report on attacks against Somali journalists

The Amnesty International publication, entitled "Hard news: Journalists' lives in danger in Somalia", focuses on journalists' working conditions.

Madagascar

Closures, ransacking and disinformation: media at heart of crisis, says RSF report

RSF released a report on the media's role in the country's ongoing political crisis.

Rwanda

ARTICLE 19 submits report to UN Universal Periodic Review

The submission describes the current legal challenges to free expression and highlights the dangerous atmosphere for journalists and other critics of the government.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Fifty years of independence see no improvement in difficulties for media, say JED and RSF

JED and RSF call on Belgium to ensure that the issue of journalists' safety is on the EU's agenda.

Kenya

Timely national conference on freedom of expression and regulations against harmful speech

On 17-18 June 2010, experts and stakeholders debated the values and limits of freedom of expression and regulations against harmful speech in Nairobi.

Take action! - Eritrea

RSF launches petition for release of imprisoned journalists

Some 30 journalists are imprisoned without trial and kept in inhumane conditions, according to RSF.

Somalia

NUSOJ statement: Stand up for the safety of men and women working for Somali media

To mark World Day for Safety and Health at Work, NUSOJ calls attention to the abysmal safety record of journalists reporting in Somalia.

Democratic Republic of Congo

More than 10,000 demand restoration of RFI's FM signal

JED is encouraged by the response, which illustrates the Congolese people's desire to once again be able to tune into RFI's diverse FM programming.

Kenya / Ethiopia

ARTICLE 19 building capacity of legal professionals on media law

The training comes as increasingly restrictive laws are being passed, threatening the Ethiopian government's commitment to freedom of expression.

Somalia

Media freedom and end to violence against reporters are keys to peace, say journalists

UN report documents infringements on freedom of opinion and expression, among other abuses.

Eritrea / France

Radio Erena: an independent news source for Eritrea

Based in Paris and run by exiled Eritrean journalists, Radio Erena has been operating for the past nine months.

Take action! - Democratic Republic of Congo

Help restore RFI's radio signal

Journaliste en Danger (JED) launched a campaign on 23 February 2010 to restore the FM signal of French public radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI) in the Democratic Republic of Congo: "Release the info, reopen RFI." JED is asking you to sign a petition, which will be sent to President Joseph Kabila.

Eritrea

RSF asks UN to investigate the fate of imprisoned journalists

Three years after the death of imprisoned journalist Fessehaye "Joshua" Yohannes, conditions for Eritrean detainees remain among the most disturbing in the world.

Joint action - Somalia

Twenty-six IFEX members condemn brutal suicide bombing that killed three journalists

Calling on the international community to protect Somali citizens, particularly journalists, 26 IFEX members appeal for justice following the 3 December 2009 attack that killed more than 25 people, including three journalists.

Somalia

Journalists launch action plan to counter media oppression

More than 30 independent media houses signed a joined declaration calling for the establishment of a training and solidarity centre for reporters.

Ethiopia

IPI fact-finding mission reports on state of press freedom

Despite positive developments, fears persist that government retains influence over media, reports IPI.

Joint action - Democratic Republic of Congo

A year later, investigation into radio journalist's murder is stalled

JED and RSF condemn the lack of action on the part of military officers in charge of the investigation.

Kenya

ARTICLE 19 submits report to United Nations Universal Periodic Review

In comments submitted to the UN Human Rights Council, ARTICLE 19 raised concerns about the failure of Kenya to respect and promote freedom of expression and freedom of information.

Sudan

ARTICLE 19 launches its state-by-state media assessment

An ARTICLE 19-led Consortium launched a report in Juba, South Sudan, which outlines the dire situation faced by the media at a critical time in the country's political history.

Somalia

Stakeholders push for amendments to Media Law

Journalists, media owners, lawyers, government officials, members of civil society and parliamentarians held meetings to discuss amendments to the Media Law.

Somalia

NUSOJ welcomes UNHRC's decision to renew rights expert's mandate

The UN body expressed its deep concern over repeated attacks against journalists and civil society activists.

Somalia

NUSOJ calls for UN Human Rights Council to renew mandate of Independent Expert

NUSOJ warned that failure to renew the mandate would heighten violations as rights abusers would enjoy unbridled impunity.

Joint action - Uganda

Thirty-one IFEX members call on President Museveni to lift the ban on the four radio stations and address the state of free expression

Condemning the shut-down of four radio stations and a violent crackdown on members of the press during a period recent social unrest, 31 IFEX members call on President Museveni to guard free expression rights.

Take action! - Sudan

Pledge solidarity with Sudanese journalist facing 40 lashes for wearing pants

Last month, Sudanese journalist Lubna Ahmed al-Hussein wore pants to a restaurant - and now faces 40 lashes for "sensational dressing up." Join the International PEN Women Writers' Committee and protest the treatment of al-Hussein, who has turned her case into a challenge of the validity of applying public indecency laws to women who wear trousers.

Somalia

Culture of impunity, safety of journalists the central themes of journalists' conference

National Somali Journalists Conference concludes with landmark decisions on professional standards, safety and democratic development of media.

Ethiopia

Anti-terrorism legislation further restricts press

In a letter to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, CPJ expressed serious concerns about increasing restrictions on press freedom in the wake of the pending adoption of anti-terror legislation.

Kenya

The Media Institute takes action against the Kenya Communications Act 2008

Journalists, free expression advocates and media owners in Kenya got some bad news at the beginning of 2009, after they learned that President Mwai Kibaki had signed into law a contentious media bill that imposed new restrictions on the press. But thanks to an immediate and massive campaign launched by IFEX member the Media Institute and the Kenya Editors Guild (KEG), President Kibaki directed the Attorney General and the Information Minister to review the bill and facilitate its return to parliament for debate.

Joint action - Kenya

Twenty-eight IFEX members call for president to reject draconian media bill

(Media Institute/IFEX) - The following is a joint appeal by 28 IFEX members:

Joint action - Uganda

Regional free expression group calls on president to respect press freedom

(MFWA/IFEX) - The following is a 29 May 2008 joint statement by eight IFEX members and other members of the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO):

Joint action - Somalia

Twenty-seven IFEX members call for end to repression of journalists, revision of media law

(NUSOJ/IFEX) - The following is a joint letter of appeal from NUSOJ, 26 other IFEX members and one partner network:

Joint action - Kenya

Twenty-three IFEX members call on President Kibaki to end suppression of media freedom

(Media Institute/IFEX) - The following is a joint action by 23 IFEX members:

Somalia

IFEX members collaborate and advocate to stop violence against Somalia's journalists

2007 was a brutal year for Somali journalists: nine reporters were killed, 53 media professionals were arrested, and five media houses were closed down, reports the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). Press freedom violations skyrocketed by over 85 percent from the previous year, as political unrest and civil war escalated.