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Articles - West Africa

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Nigeria

Boko Haram militants threaten further attacks on media

Less than a week after bomb attacks on media houses killed at least eight in Abuja and Kaduna, the militant Islamic sect Boko Haram has released a video claiming responsibility and threatening further attacks against media groups, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Guinea-Bissau

Media blackout follows coup

The coup against the government of Guinea-Bissau has been followed by "grave" media freedom violations, including threats to journalists, a news blackout and media censorship, say the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Freedom House.

Côte d'Ivoire

President vows to reopen case of missing reporter

Eight years after Franco-Canadian journalist Guy-André Kieffer mysteriously disappeared in Abidjan, his case might get a second wind with Côte d'Ivoire's new President promising a special commission of enquiry, says Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Mali

Independent media one of the first casualties in coup

Mutinous soldiers who seized power last week from Mali's President Amadou Toumani Touré also occupied the headquarters of the state radio and TV broadcaster and interrupted other TV and radio shows, say Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and Human Rights Watch. Some citizens turned to Twitter to get their news updates, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

International / Equatorial Guinea

UNESCO supports prize backed by African dictator

After nearly two years of debate, the executive board of UNESCO last week approved a life sciences prize sponsored by Africa's longest-serving dictator, despite intense lobbying by IFEX members and other international and African rights groups, as well as findings from UNESCO itself that the prize violates the organisation's own rules.

Liberia

Journalist who wrote about genital mutilation forced into hiding

A woman journalist who reported on the practice of female genital mutilation in Liberia has gone into hiding after receiving death threats, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The Gambia

Former minister gets life sentence for seditious T-shirt

A former Gambian information minister has been sentenced to life for conspiring to overthrow the President with T-shirts demanding an end to dictatorship, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and ARTICLE 19.

Nigeria

Journalist killed while covering terrorist bombings

A TV reporter was gunned down in Kano, shortly after covering a series of deadly bombings on 20 January by the militant Islamic sect Boko Haram, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Liberia

Journalists caught in the middle of political rivalries at election time

In the wake of run-off elections in Liberia, seven broadcasters were closed down after three people died during fighting between riot police and opposition supporters, reports the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP). The radio and television stations, which are perceived to be pro-opposition, have been accused of "disseminating hate speech."

Nigeria

TV journalist gunned down by notorious Islamic sect

A journalist was gunned down in front of his house by militants from the radical Islamic sect Boko Haram, report Media Rights Agenda (MRA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Cameroon

Media repression reported by IFEX members ahead of elections

In the week leading up to Cameroon's national elections, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) conducted a press freedom mission that concluded both the country's media laws and democratic participation require a major overhaul. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), meanwhile, reports on the detention and assault of journalists just one day before the elections.

Equatorial Guinea

UNESCO won't honour Africa's longest-serving dictator with namesake prize

UNESCO has once again announced it will not reinstate a life sciences prize funded by and named after Africa's longest-serving dictator, President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea, report Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Africa / Awards / Liberia / Nigeria

IFEX members hounoured with pan-African award for freedom of information campaigns

IFEX congratulates Edetaen Ojo and Malcolm Joseph, the leaders of IFEX member groups in Nigeria and Liberia, for winning Africa's first awards for activism on access to information. The awards were handed out at the inaugural Pan African Conference on Access to Information, held in Cape Town, South Africa, this week, which was attended by numerous IFEX members involved in campaigning on the issue.

Guinea

Despite democratic rise to power, president represses media freedom

Guinea's first democratically elected President survived an assassination attempt on 19 July after gunmen surrounded his home and pummeled it with heavy artillery. Three people were killed during two separate attacks. But President Alpha Condé immediately clamped down on any media coverage of the attack, a censorship that IFEX members report is emblematic of his contempt for the media, despite promises for positive change. During a May fact-finding mission to Guinea, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) found a thriving media landscape hindered by repressive media laws with journalists targeted by security forces and political interference.

The Gambia

Critical activists and journalists detained under "bogus charges"


As Gambian President Yahya Jammeh marked the 17th anniversary of his rule on 22 July, seven activists and journalists were charged with treason and sedition for distributing t-shirts with the slogan, "Coalition for Change - The Gambia: End Dictatorship Now." The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), other IFEX members and rights groups are sounding the alarm over the use of undemocratic laws to punish journalists and government critics and the repression of free speech in the country.

Sierra Leone

Suspects arrested in rare journalist murder

A police officer and two others have been arrested as suspects in the stabbing death of journalist Ibrahim Foday of "The Exclusive" newspaper near Freetown, Sierra Leone, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Nigeria

Freedom of information law is a victory for democracy

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has approved a freedom of information law, giving Nigerians the power and resources to unearth facts, battle corruption and hold officials and institutions accountable. Nigerian civil society groups, including IFEX member Media Rights Agenda (MRA), have fought for years to institutionalise transparency and accountability.

Côte d'Ivoire

Reprisals against pro-Gbagbo journalists continue; opposition press re-emerges

After a deadly power struggle in Côte d'Ivoire in which at least 3,000 died, a million were displaced and journalists faced attacks by both sides, Alassane Ouattara was officially sworn in as President on 21 May. But the media is still operating in a climate of fear and atrocities continue. A journalist who openly supported former President Laurent Gbagbo's Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) was killed in early May and others have gone into hiding - despite the reappearance of opposition newspapers, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Côte d'Ivoire

As violence escalates, media caught in crossfire

The media is one of the casualties in Côte d'Ivoire's bloody political standoff, as journalists face attacks and threats from both sides and the fate of the state broadcaster remains up in the air, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). As a result of the chaos in Abidjan, no newspaper has been distributed since 31 March, reports RSF.

Togo

Critical radio stations closed down with red tape excuses

Radio stations and newspapers in the capital of Togo suspended their normal activities for a day in March in protest against three radio stations having been shut down since December, report the Media Foundation for West Africa and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Liberia

Mayor threatens CEMESP with libel suit over free expression report

A mayor who was named and shamed in a free expression report by the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) is threatening to sue the organisation for libel.

Côte d'Ivoire

Political camps exact reprisals on their critics

Attacks on the media have ratcheted up in Côte d'Ivoire with a media employee killed as supporters of both incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and his rival Alassane Ouattara target partisan media outlets and journalists, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The struggle for power threatens to lead to a full blown civil war.

Côte d'Ivoire

Disputed President clamps down on media

Côte d'Ivoire's President Laurent Gbagbo has tightened control over the council that regulates the print media and ordered a United Nations-sponsored radio network off the air, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The clampdown could put media freedom in Côte d'Ivoire back by 20 years, says RSF.

Côte d'Ivoire

Officials ban news broadcasts in wake of election chaos

The authorities in Côte d'Ivoire have banned some international news broadcasts and blocked the movement of the media amid continuing chaos following the presidential election, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Human Rights Watch and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Both the incumbent and an opposition leader have claimed victory.

Cameroon

Editors released conditionally on orders of President

Cameroonian journalists Robert Mintya and Serge Sabouang were released conditionally on 24 November on the order of President Paul Biya, report Journaliste en danger (JED), Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), PEN International's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). They had been in prison since March 2010.

Liberia

President shows free expression commitment by signing FOI Act, opening women's radio station

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf signed into law the long-awaited freedom of information act this week, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) is pleased to report. Coupled with her recent launch of an all-women owned radio station, it's just another example of her commitment to shifting the free expression landscape in Liberia.

West Africa / Africa

Media Foundation for West Africa releases its state of the media report

Political crises and violent conflicts in West Africa created the conditions for abuse of media rights in 2009, says a new report by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). "West Africa 2009: Annual State of the Media Report" says that in most countries, the perpetrators of press freedom violations were state security personnel or sympathisers of political parties. But there are also some positive stories of resilient journalists and countries that have protected press freedom.

Togo

Newspaper suspended for exposing President's brother's crimes

A Togolese court has indefinitely suspended the distribution of a Benin newspaper after crippling it with a defamation charge and heavy fines for publishing an article linking Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé's brother with drug trafficking, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). A newspaper photographer covering the court case was violently detained by gendarmes.

Liberia

Freedom of information law comes to life

Offering a bold example for the possibilities for press freedom, the Liberian government passed a freedom of information law last week, report the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Côte d'Ivoire

Three journalists arrested for leaking report on corruption

Three journalists in the Ivory Coast who refused to reveal their sources after publishing details of a government report on corruption in the coffee and cocoa trade were arrested on 13 July, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Cameroon

Pius Njawé, torchbearer for press freedom, dies in car accident

Shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Cameroonian journalist Pius Njawé in a car accident in the US this week, IFEX members worldwide have responded with heartfelt tributes to his life's work as a courageous defender of press freedom.

Guinea

Positive new media laws welcomed

Guinea's military leader, Gen. Sékouba Konaté, has enshrined press freedom in the country's new constitution. He has reformed media laws to protect journalists from jail sentences and ensure the freedom to create independent newspapers, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and ARTICLE 19. Passed on 22 June, the new legislation has come into place at a historic time: the first free presidential elections in 52 years.

Niger

New media decree gags foreign journalists

Foreign journalists and media outlets must now seek clearance from Niger's communications ministry and pay large, non-refundable fees prior to entering the country to work on films or documentaries, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). This new media law, issued on 3 June, also stipulates that journalists must submit final versions of their work to the ministry.

Equatorial Guinea / International

UNESCO "dictator prize" on hold

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been poised for months to award a life sciences prize named after and funded by President Teodoro Obiang, the abusive ruler of Equatorial Guinea. On 15 June, UNESCO delayed awarding the controversial prize, but rights groups such as Human Rights Watch say that's not enough. Meanwhile, opposition to the prize has grown more vociferous - including statements from journalists worldwide who have been repressed by their own governments.

Equatorial Guinea

Refuse President's donation, press freedom groups tell UNESCO

Thirty IFEX members joined the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) last week in calling for the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to refuse US$3 million donated by Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang - one of Africa's worst violators of press freedom - to set up an international prize in life sciences.

Nigeria

Three journalists slain

Three Nigerian journalists were killed in separate incidents on 24 April, report the Media Rights Agenda (MRA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and other IFEX members. One journalist was shot dead in his home, and two others were hacked to death by rioters while trying to cover local unrest.

Cameroon

Journalist dies in detention

Two Cameroonian journalists watched a colleague die in prison on 22 April. All three journalists were incarcerated in March for investigating corruption involving a top presidential aide and a state-run oil company, report Journaliste en Danger (JED), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Liberia

CEMESP fosters cooperation between Liberian journalists and security forces

In response to harassment and intimidation of Liberian journalists by security personnel, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), with support from the IFEX Campaigns and Advocacy Programme, convened a symposium on 7 April in Monrovia, bringing together members of the media, academia, civil society, security agencies and government. Security forces were asked to protect journalists so they can do their work and to understand the importance of press freedom, and journalists were asked to respect the role of security personnel.

Nigeria

Journalist almost killed by mourners; other journalists threatened by soldiers

A Nigerian radio journalist covering the mass funeral of victims of a 7 March massacre in villages in central Nigeria was brutally assaulted by mourners, report the Nigeria-based Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Journalists have also been harassed and intimidated by soldiers in the region, reports the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Liberia

Assaults on journalists and legal threats curb press freedom

Police brutality and legal action are the two greatest sources of attacks on journalists in Liberia, says the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) in its 2009 report. Journalists and media workers also face death threats, detention and censorship.

Côte d'Ivoire

Opposition protestors killed; media barred from reporting

Security forces fired on anti-government protesters in the city of Gagnoa, Ivory Coast, killing five and injuring several others on 19 February, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). French TV news station France 24 was suspended after its coverage of the incident and opposition newspapers have been threatened.

Mauritania

Editor imprisoned for criticising military junta

In a move that surprised press freedom groups, a jailed Mauritanian editor of an online publication critical of the country's rulers was sentenced to a further two years in prison on 4 February, report the Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Gabon

Opposition press suspended; criticism of state pushed aside

A state-run media-monitoring body suspended six private newspapers and a television program in Gabon on 10 November in an effort to silence criticism of recent elections results and members of government, report IFEX members.

Togo

Media groups protest repressive law

A draft law passed by the Togolese parliament on 30 October gives the state broadcasting council greater powers to impose severe sanctions against the media, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Ahead of elections, this coercive media law will restrict free and pluralistic debate.

Guinea

Radio stations self-censor; foreign journalists barred

Private radio stations have cancelled political programmes in Guinea as journalists continue to be harassed by opposition supporters and the military after last month's massacre at an opposition rally, says the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Also, Guinea's military denied entry to several French journalists on 17 October and continues to monitor and threaten local journalists, reports Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Guinea

On the hunt for journalists; massacre of demonstrators

Journalists were assaulted after they witnessed a massacre of protesters by Guinean soldiers during an opposition demonstration on 28 September in Conakry, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and other IFEX members. Two journalists have gone into hiding after learning that soldiers are on the hunt for them for reporting the killings to the international community.

Nigeria

Editor's children witness his assassination

A Nigerian editor was murdered in his home in Lagos, by a gang of six men who pumped his body full of bullets, report the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and other IFEX members.

The Gambia

President pardons six journalists

Six Gambian journalists imprisoned on charges ranging from defamation to "seditious publication" were released on 3 September on a presidential pardon, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and other IFEX members.

Gabon

Media restrictions interfere with coverage of elections

The Gabonese authorities censored and harassed local and foreign journalists during the presidential elections on 30 August, report Journaliste en danger (JED), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Sierra Leone

New broadcasting act keeps public media under state control

Parliament passed a bill earlier this month that turns the state-run Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS) into a public service broadcaster, but the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) says the President will still have undue powers.

The Gambia

Six journalists sentenced to two years for sedition

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and other IFEX members have condemned the "politicised" verdict against six Gambian journalists who were sentenced last week to two years in jail and heavy fines for sedition and criminal defamation.

The Gambia

Global protests mark president's 15-year rule

Several protests against Gambian President Yahya Jammeh's extreme freedom of the press abuses were held in Europe and Africa last week, marking the 15-year anniversary of the president's coup d'état and the third day of a sedition and defamation trial against a group of the country's most respected journalists.

The Gambia

Journalists charged with sedition freed on bail

Seven Gambian journalists charged with sedition last week for criticising the President have been freed on bail, while two other detainees were released without charge, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Meanwhile, a journalist covering the sedition trial has been detained without charge.

The Gambia

Authorities arrest seven journalists for criticising President

Seven journalists and press union leaders were arrested this past week for criticising the Gambian President for his comments on the unsolved 2004 murder of a prominent editor, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Senegal

President pardons editor convicted of defamation

A Senegalese editor who was serving a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for defaming leading government officials has been pardoned, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Guinea-Bissau

MILITARES SILENCIAN A MEDIOS TRAS ASESINATOS DE PRESIDENTE Y JEFE DEL EJÉRCITO

Guinea-Bissau

L'ARMÉE RÉDUIT LES MÉDIAS AU SILENCE À LA SUITE DES MEURTRES DU PRÉSIDENT ET DU CHEF DE L'ARMÉE

Guinea-Bissau

MILITARY SILENCES MEDIA FOLLOWING MURDERS OF PRESIDENT AND ARMY HEAD

Privately-owned radio stations in the tiny west African country Guinea-Bissau were ordered to stop broadcasting following the assassination of the President and the army's Chief of Staff, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Liberia

L’IMPUNITÉ RÈGNE AU LIBÉRIA, DIT LE CEMESP

Liberia

IMPUNIDAD REINA EN LIBERIA, DICE EL CEMESP

Liberia

IMPUNITY REIGNS IN LIBERIA, SAYS CEMESP

Impunity for crimes against journalists reigned supreme in Liberia last year - in part because the authorities are behind most of the attacks, says a new report by the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP).

Cameroon

UN AUTRE JOURNALISTE DERRIÈRE LES BARREAUX POUR DIFFAMATION PÉNALE

Cameroon

CAMERÚN OTRO PERIODISTA TRAS LAS REJAS DEBIDO A LEYES PENALES DE DIFAMACIÓN

Cameroon

ANOTHER JOURNALIST BEHIND BARS FOR CRIMINAL DEFAMATION

A newspaper editor in Cameroon has been given jail time for "spreading false news" about President Paul Biya, report Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and other IFEX members. He's the fourth newspaper editor jailed in Cameroon for his work since September 2007, making the country the second worst jailer of journalists in Africa, says CPJ.

Burkina Faso

BURKINA FASO: FIRME PETICIÓN A FAVOR DE PERIODISTA ASESINADO NORBERT ZONGO

Burkina Faso

BURKINA FASO : SIGNEZ LA PÉTITION EN FAVEUR DU JOURNALISTE ASSASSINÉ NORBERT ZONGO

Burkina Faso

BURKINA FASO: SIGN PETITION FOR ASSASSINATED JOURNALIST NORBERT ZONGO

Ten years ago on 13 December 1998, Norbert Zongo, a journalist from Burkina Faso, was assassinated.

Mauritania

EX MINISTRO DETENIDO POR HABLAR EN CONTRA DE EJÉRCITO

Mauritania

UN ANCIEN MINISTRE EST DÉTENU POUR AVOIR DÉNONCÉ L'ARMÉE

Mauritania

FORMER MINISTER DETAINED FOR SPEAKING OUT AGAINST MILITARY

An independent researcher and former minister is being detained for criticising Mauritania's military and faces up to seven years in prison, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and news reports.

Nigeria

PERIODISTA RADIOFÓNICO ASESINADO EN EMBOSCADA

Nigeria

UN RADIOJOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ DANS UNE EMBUSCADE

Nigeria

RADIO JOURNALIST KILLED IN AMBUSH

A Nigerian radio journalist was killed in an ambush last week near his home in Lafia, central Nigeria, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Cameroon

CAMEROUN : UN CHANTEUR DISSIDENT EST CONDAMNÉ À TROIS ANS DE PRISON

Cameroon

CAMERÚN: CORRESPONSAL DISIDENTE SENTENCIADO A TRES AÑOS DE CÁRCEL

Côte d'Ivoire

¡ACTÚE! PIDA LA LIBERACIÓN DE PERIODISTA INOCENTE ENCARCELADO EN COSTA DE MARFIL

Cameroon

CAMEROON: DISSIDENT SINGER SENTENCED TO THREE YEARS IN JAIL

This April, Cameroon adopted an amendment to its constitution that eliminated term limits for the President, as well as granted him immunity for any acts committed while in office. No one was smiling more prettily than President Paul Biya, who at 75 has been in office for 26 years and is seeking re-election in 2011.

Côte d'Ivoire

TAKE ACTION! CALL FOR RELEASE OF INNOCENT JOURNALIST IN JAIL IN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Jean-Paul Ney, an independent investigative journalist and war reporter from France, has been detained for nine months at the infamous MACA prison in Côte d'Ivoire. He is charged with endangering the security of the state - charges, his friends say, for the work that "investigative reporters typically do, and that Ney has been doing for over 10 years."

Niger

LIBERAN A PERIODISTA MOUSSA KAKA

Niger

LE JOURNALISTE MOUSSA KAKA EST LIBÉRÉ

Niger

JOURNALIST MOUSSA KAKA FREED

IFEX members hailed the provisional release of Moussa Kaka, a local reporter for Radio France International (RFI) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), who has been freed after spending more than a year in jail on charges of collaborating with rebels in northern Niger.

Sierra Leone

GOBIERNOS SE VUELVEN CONTRA LOS MEDIOS; UN NIGERIANO MUERTO

Sierra Leone

LES GOUVERNEMENTS SE RETOURNENT CONTRE LES MÉDIAS; UN NIGÉRIAN EST ASSASSINÉ

Sierra Leone

GOVERNMENTS TURN AGAINST MEDIA, NIGERIAN KILLED

NIGERIA: Police Involvement Suspected in Killing of Journalist

West Africa

MFWA LAWYER FEMI FALANA WINS BERNARD SIMONS AWARD

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) announced that Femi Falana, a founding member of its Lawyers Network for the Defence of Media and Journalist in West Africa, won the 2008 Bernard Simons Memorial Award for his contributions to human rights in his home country, Nigeria, and West Africa.

Mauritania

PERIODISTA ARRESTADO AL CUBRIR MANIFESTACIÓN ANTIGOLPISTA

Mauritania

UN JOURNALISTE EST ARRÊTÉ PENDANT QU'IL COUVRAIT UNE MANIFESTATION DE PROTESTATION CONTRE LE COUP D'ÉTAT

Mauritania

JOURNALIST ARRESTED COVERING ANTI-COUP DEMONSTRATION

Reporter Ahmed Ould Neda of the Nouakchott-based independent news agency "Akbar Info" was arrested on 7 August 2008 while covering a demonstration against Mauritania's new military regime. Police confiscated Neda's camera with pictures of a police assault, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) reported.

The Gambia

AUTORIDADES DEBERÍAN ACATAR FALLO Y LIBERAR A PERIODISTA, DICEN MIEMBROS DE IFEX

The Gambia

LES AUTORITÉS DOIVENT RESPECTER UN JUGEMENT ET LIBÉRER UN JOURNALISTE, DISENT LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX

The Gambia

AUTHORITIES SHOULD ABIDE BY RULING AND FREE JOURNALIST, SAY IFEX MEMBERS

In a landmark decision, an African regional court has ordered the Gambian authorities to immediately release a journalist who has been held incommunicado for nearly two years, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Cameroon

MUSICIANS AT RISK FOR SPEAKING OUT

Musicians are the latest target in Cameroon's quest to silence critics of the recent constitutional amendments that eliminate term limits for the President, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organizations (NAFEO). Elsewhere in Africa, Ethiopian police have detained an editor and seized a magazine over the cover story of a pop icon, say the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists Association (EFJA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Liberia

PERIODISTAS HACEN CAMPAÑA PARA REFORMAR LAS LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Liberia

DES JOURNALISTES FONT CAMPAGNE POUR FAIRE MODIFIER LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Liberia

JOURNALISTS CAMPAIGN TO REFORM MEDIA LAWS

Nearly four years in the making, three draft bills to improve the media landscape in Liberia were presented to the National Assembly last week amid public fanfare, report the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Cameroon

GOBIERNO OBLIGA A TRES DIFUSORAS A SALIR DEL AIRE

Cameroon

LE GOUVERNEMENT FORCE TROIS RADIODIFFUSEURS À QUITTER LES ONDES

Cameroon

GOVERNMENT FORCES THREE BROADCASTERS OFF AIR

A third broadcaster has been forced off the air in Cameroon for covering violent demonstrations against a rise in prices and a government proposal to eliminate term limits for the President, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Côte d'Ivoire

GOBIERNO PROSCRIBE ESTACIÓN DE RADIO

Côte d'Ivoire

LE GOUVERNEMENT SUSPEND UNE STATION DE RADIO

Côte d'Ivoire

GOVERNMENT BANS RADIO STATION

The government of Côte d'Ivoire has indefinitely suspended a France-based radio station, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Liberia

DOS TRABAJADORES DE LOS MEDIOS ATACADOS POR MES EN LIBERIA, ENCUENTRA INFORME DE CEMESP

Liberia

DEUX TRAVAILLEURS DES MÉDIAS SONT AGRESSÉS CHAQUE MOIS AU LIBÉRIA, CONCLUT UN RAPPORT DU CEMESP

Liberia

TWO MEDIA WORKERS ATTACKED PER MONTH IN LIBERIA, CEMESP REPORT FINDS

At least one journalist or media worker has been attacked every two weeks since April 2006 in Liberia, says a new report by IFEX member the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP). And while the government is behind most of the attacks, a surprising number came from civil society activists, says CEMESP.

The Gambia

21 GROUPES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX EXIGENT UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LE MEURTRE D'UN RÉDACTEUR

The Gambia

VEINTIÚN MIEMBROS DE IFEX DEMANDAN INVESTIGACIÓN SOBRE ASESINATO DE EDITOR

The Gambia

21 IFEX MEMBERS DEMAND INVESTIGATION INTO EDITOR'S MURDER

16 December 2007 is the third anniversary of the brutal killing of Gambian journalist Deyda Hydara. While family members and colleagues marked the occasion by marching from his home to his grave, 21 IFEX members, in a joint action led by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), demanded that the Gambian authorities "enforce justice" and set up an independent investigation into his murder.

The Gambia

CAMPAÑA REGIONAL ATACA ABUSOS CONTRA DERECHOS

The Gambia

CAMPAGNE RÉGIONALE CONTRE LES VIOLATIONS DES DROITS

The Gambia

REGIONAL CAMPAIGN TARGETS RIGHTS ABUSES

Early next year, the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) Community Court is expected to rule in a case brought against the Gambian government on behalf of journalist Chief Ebrima Manneh, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). Manneh was arrested in July 2006 and has been held incommunicado ever since.

Niger

¡ACTÚE! PETICIÓN POR LIBERTAD DE MOUSSA KAKA DE NÍGER

Niger

AGISSEZ ! PÉTITION POUR FAIRE LIBÉRER MOUSSA KAKA DU NIGER

Nigeria

AGISSEZ ! UNE COALITION NIGÉRIANE LANCE UNE CAMPAGNE DE SIGNATURES EN FAVEUR DU PROJET DE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ D'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Nigeria

¡ACTÚE! COALICIÓN NIGERIANA INICIA CAMPAÑA DE FIRMAS SOBRE PROYECTO DE LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

TAKE ACTION! NIGERIAN COALITION LAUNCHES SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL

Hurry! The Nigerian Freedom of Information Coalition, led by Media Rights Agenda (MRA), is looking for one million signatures by 28 September to compel the Nigerian federal legislature to finally pass the Freedom of Information Bill into law.

Guinea-Bissau

AUTORIDADES ACOSAN DEBIDO A INFORMES ACERCA DE COMERCIO DE DROGAS

Guinea-Bissau

LES AUTORITÉS HARCÈLENT LA PRESSE À CAUSE DE REPORTAGES SUR LE TRAFIC DE DROGUE

Guinea-Bissau

AUTHORITIES HARASS PRESS OVER REPORTS ON DRUG TRADE

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and Amnesty International have called on Guinea-Bissau President Joao Bernardo Vieira to stop official harassment of journalists reporting on drug trafficking in the West African country.

The Gambia

UN JOURNALISTE « DISPARU » APERÇU DANS UN HÔPITAL LOCAL

The Gambia

PERIODISTA "DESAPARECIDO" VISTO EN HOSPITAL LOCAL

The Gambia

"DISAPPEARED" JOURNALIST SPOTTED AT LOCAL HOSPITAL

A journalist who has been missing for more than a year was spotted at Gambia's main hospital, reports Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), who has focused a campaign on the case.

Mauritania

LIBRE EXPRESIÓN EN MAURITANIA LIMITADA POR ELEVADOS PRECIOS Y PERIODISTAS CON CAPACITACIÓN DEFICIENTE, ENCUENTRA ARTICLE 19

Mauritania

EN MAURITANIE, LA LIBRE EXPRESSION EST LIMITÉE PAR LES PRIX ÉLEVÉS ET LA FORMATION DÉFICIENTE DES JOURNALISTES, CONSTATE ARTICLE 19

Mauritania

FREE EXPRESSION IN MAURITANIA LIMITED BY HIGH PRICES AND POORLY TRAINED JOURNALISTS, ARTICLE 19 FINDS

Free expression in Mauritania suffers from high newspaper prices, poor distribution, and insufficient training of journalists and lawyers on media rights, an ARTICLE 19 report has found.

Mali

DES JOURNALISTES ET UN ENSEIGNANT SONT CONDAMNÉS À CAUSE D'UNE DISSERTATION À L'ÉCOLE

Mali

PERIODISTAS Y ESCRITOR SENTENCIADO POR ENSAYO ACADÉMICO

Mali

JOURNALISTS, TEACHER SENTENCED FOR SCHOOL ESSAY

Five journalists and a 10th grade teacher have been jailed in Mali for "offending the head of state" over a story on a high school essay assignment about an imaginary presidential sex scandal, report the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organisations (NAFEO), an initiative of IFEX members, and other free expression groups.

The Gambia

DES GROUPES AFRICAINS INAUGURENT DES CAMPAGNES EN FAVEUR DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

The Gambia

AFRICAN UMBRELLA GROUPS LAUNCH CAMPAIGNS FOR FREE EXPRESSION

"Chief" Ebrima Manneh has been missing since last July. A week after the Gambian newspaper reporter allegedly passed on "damaging" information at an African Union summit, he was arrested without charge and detained by the National Intelligence Agency. But the security force denies even arresting him. Manneh's release is a key demand in a new campaign launched last week by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Network of African Freedom of Expression Organizations (NAFEO) to end impunity and the violent attacks on free expression in the country.

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT NE TIENT AUCUN COMPTE DU PROJET DE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE L'INFORMATION LORS D'ÉLECTIONS « CHARADES »

Burkina Faso

NORBERT ZONGO HONORÉ AU FESTIVAL DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Nigeria

PRESIDENTE HACE CASO OMISO DE PROYECTO DE LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN EN MEDIO DE "FARSA ELECTORAL"

Burkina Faso

HOMENAJEAN A NORBERT ZONGO EN FESTIVAL DE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Nigeria

PRESIDENT IGNORES FREEDOM OF INFORMATION BILL AMID "CHARADE" ELECTIONS

In the aftermath of what observers called "seriously flawed" presidential elections in Nigeria, President Olusegun Obasanjo failed to sign into law a bill that would have strengthened his battle against corruption, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Burkina Faso

NORBERT ZONGO HONOURED AT FREE EXPRESSION FESTIVAL

A procession to the tomb of assassinated editor Norbert Zongo wrapped up the second International Festival of Freedom of Expression (Festival international de la liberté d'expression et de la presse, FILEP) in Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso.

The Gambia

LE HARCÈLEMENT DES MÉDIAS PREND DE L'AMPLEUR

The Gambia

ACOSO A MEDIOS AL ALZA

The Gambia

MEDIA HARASSMENT ON THE RISE

A year after the government illegally shut down the bi-weekly paper "The Independent", the paper still hasn't been allowed to resume publication - a sign of the increase in rights violations in the country, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Guinea

LEY MARCIAL IMPONE APAGÓN INFORMATIVO

Guinea

MARTIAL LAW IMPOSES INFORMATION BLACKOUT

The West African country of Guinea has been in the midst of an information blackout since 12 February 2007, after President Lansana Conté declared martial law in response to widespread protests calling for his resignation.

Senegal

SÉNÉGAL : ARTICLE 19 FAIT PART DE SA PRÉOCCUPATION POUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Senegal

ARTICLE 19 EXPRESA INQUIETUDES POR LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Senegal

ARTICLE 19 VOICES FREE EXPRESSION CONCERNS

As Senegal prepares to hold presidential elections in February 2007, ARTICLE 19 has issued a report expressing concern about the state of freedom of expression in the West African country. "We are concerned by the resistance of the Senegalese government to adopt legislation that conforms with international standards on freedom of expression," the organisation said.

West Africa

PRESS FREEDOM VIOLATIONS ON THE RISE

Attacks on journalists and media outlets in West Africa increased in 2006 compared to the previous year, according to a new report by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Nigeria

VETERANO PERIODISTA ASESINADO

Nigeria

UN JOURNALISTE CHEVRONNÉ EST TUÉ

Nigeria

VETERAN JOURNALIST KILLED

Police in Nigeria are investigating the murder of veteran journalist Godwin Agbroko, who was shot dead in the city of Lagos on 22 December 2006, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Liberia

GRUPO LIBERIANO TRABAJA PARA ELEVAR NORMAS PERIODÍSTICAS

Nigeria

INSTAN A PRESIDENTE A FIRMAR PROYECTO DE LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Liberia

UN GROUPE LIBÉRIEN S'EFFORCE DE REHAUSSER LES NORMES DU JOURNALISME

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT EST PRIÉ DE RATIFIER LA LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Liberia

LIBERIAN GROUP WORKS TO IMPROVE JOURNALISM STANDARDS

As Liberia emerges from a brutal long-running civil war, the Center for Media Studies and Peace Building (CEMESP) is helping to re-build democracy in the country by coordinating media training courses aimed at improving professional standards and strengthening press freedom.

Nigeria

PRESIDENT URGED TO SIGN ACCESS TO INFORMATION BILL

Nigeria's Senate has unanimously passed a bill that, if signed into law, will guarantee every citizen in the country the right to access government-held information, reports Media Rights Agenda (MRA).

Burkina Faso

¡ACTÚE! BURKINA FASO: ASESINO DE PERIODISTA SIGUE LIBRE

Burkina Faso

TAKE ACTION! BURKINA FASO: JOURNALIST'S KILLER STILL AT LARGE

2 October 2006

The Gambia

CON REPRESIÓN DE MEDIOS LAS ELECCIONES NO SERÁN JUSTAS

The Gambia

LA RÉPRESSION DES MÉDIAS SIGNIFIE QUE LES ÉLECTIONS NE SERONT PAS ÉQUITABLES

The Gambia

MEDIA REPRESSION MEANS ELECTIONS WON'T BE FAIR

A free and fair election in the Gambia will be impossible as long as the Gambian government continues to attack journalists and independent newspapers that criticise authorities, warns Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Guinea

FUERZAS DE SEGURIDAD DISPARAN CONTRA MANIFESTANTES

Guinea

FORCES DE SÉCURITÉ TIRENT SUR DES MANIFESTANTS

Guinea

SECURITY FORCES GUN DOWN PROTESTERS

Human Rights Watch reports that security forces in the West African country of Guinea killed, raped and assaulted demonstrators who protested fuel and rice price hikes last month, actions that violate international treaties on freedom of expression and other human rights that Guinea has signed.

Liberia

COMISIÓN INVESTIGARÁ AGRESIONES CONTRA PERIODISTAS

Liberia

UN COMITÉ FERA ENQUÊTE SUR DES ATTAQUES COMMISES CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES

Liberia

COMMITTEE TO PROBE ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS

Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has appointed a committee to investigate a recent spate of attacks on journalists who have been probing the country's security services, reports the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP).

The Gambia

ANFITRIÓN DE CUMBRE DE UA PROHÍBE FORO SOBRE LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

The Gambia

LE PAYS HÔTE DU SOMMET DE L’UNION AFRICAINE INTERDIT UN FORUM SUR LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

The Gambia

AU SUMMIT HOST BANS FORUM ON FREE EXPRESSION

The Gambian government has refused to allow a group of civil society organisations to hold a forum on freedom of expression at the African Union Summit in Banjul, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

The Gambia

DEUX JOURNALISTES SONT LIBÉRÉS, UN JOURNAL EST AUTORITÉ À PARAÎTRE

The Gambia

DOS PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS; PERMITEN PUBLICAR A PERIÓDICOS

The Gambia

TWO JOURNALISTS RELEASED, NEWSPAPER ALLOWED TO PUBLISH

On 20 April 2006, Gambian journalists Musa Saidykhan and Madi Ceesay were released from detention after having being held without explanation for close to a month, reported the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE), International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

The Gambia

PERIODISTA DETENIDO TRAS SUPUESTO GOLPE DE ESTADO

Niger

CENSURAN A EQUIPO DE BBC POR INFORMAR ACERCA DE HAMBRE

The Gambia

DES JOURNALISTES SONT DÉTENUS À LA SUITE D'UN COMPLOT PRÉSUMÉ DE COUP D'ÉTAT

Niger

UNE ÉQUIPE DE LA BBC EST CENSURÉE À CAUSE D'UN REPORTAGE SUR LA FAIM

West Africa

WAJA WORKSHOP TO FOCUS ON ELECTION REPORTING IN WEST AFRICA

The West African Journalists Association (WAJA) will be holding a three-day workshop in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire on 3-5 May 2006, aimed at equipping journalists in the country and in the region with the tools to report more effectively on elections.

The Gambia

JOURNALISTS DETAINED IN WAKE OF ALLEGED COUP PLOT

IFEX members have raised concerns over a government crackdown on a privately owned newspaper in The Gambia, following reports of an alleged coup plot against President Yahya Jammeh.

Niger

BBC CREW CENSORED FOR REPORTING HUNGER

The government of Niger is trying to censor media coverage of hunger and malnutrition in parts of the country reportedly hit by a food shortage, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says. Officials have been ordered not to speak to the media about the possibility of famine after authorities withdrew accreditation from a BBC television crew who reported last week on hunger in the central region of Maradi.

Togo

UN RAPPORT ÉVALUE LES BESOINS DES MÉDIAS DU TOGO

Togo

INFORME EVALÚA NECESIDADES DE MEDIOS EN TOGO

Togo

REPORT ASSESSES MEDIA NEEDS IN TOGO

Journalists in Togo face serious challenges in reporting the news, including intimidation and harassment from authorities, and a lack of expertise and resources in skills training, a report by four media support groups has found.

Nigeria

MRA CELEBRARÁ TALLERES SOBRE TRANSPARENCIA Y CAPACITACIÓN EN PERIODISMO

Nigeria

LE GROUPE MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA (MRA) ORGANISE DES ATELIERS SUR LA TRANSPARENCE ET DE FORMATION EN JOURNALISME

Nigeria

MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REACTIVA CAMPAÑAS EN PRO DE LA LEY DE ACCESO A LA INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

LE GROUPE MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REPREND SA CAMPAGNE POUR OBTENIR UNE LOI SUR L'ACCÈS À L'INFORMATION

Nigeria

MEDIA RIGHTS AGENDA REVIVES CAMPAIGN FOR ACCESS TO INFORMATION LAW

In Nigeria, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) is ramping up its campaign to convince lawmakers to pass a draft Freedom of Information (FOI) bill guaranteeing every citizen the right to access government-held information. The bill is at a critical stage and needs only the approval of the Senate and the President before it becomes law.

Nigeria

CENTROS PEN RINDEN HOMENAJE A LA MEMORIA DE KEN SARO-WIWA

Nigeria

DES CENTRES DU PEN HONORENT LA MÉMOIRE DE KEN SARO-WIWA

Mauritania

LE LEADER MILITAIRE PROMET DES RÉFORMES DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Nigeria

PEN CENTRES HONOUR MEMORY OF KEN SARO-WIWA

On 10 November 2005, PEN Centres in 28 countries joined free expression advocates around the world to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the death of Ogoni leader and writer Ken Saro-Wiwa.

Mauritania

LÍDER MILITAR PROMETE REFORMAS A LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Mauritania

MILITARY LEADER PROMISES PRESS FREEDOM REFORMS

Mauritania's new military leader, Colonel Ely Ould Mohamed Vall, has pledged to reform the country's draconian press law and allow Radio France Internationale (RFI) to resume its broadcasts, following a meeting with a visiting Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) delegation.

Nigeria

DES JOURNALISTES EXERCENT DES PRESSIONS POUR OBTENIR DES RÉFORMES JURIDIQUES AFIN DE PRÉSERVER LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Nigeria

PERIODISTAS PIDEN REFORMA JURÍDICA PARA PROTEGER LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Nigeria

JOURNALISTS PUSH FOR LEGAL REFORMS TO SAFEGUARD FREE EXPRESSION

Journalists, editors and other media professionals from Nigeria have called on their government to pass a long-delayed access to information bill and revoke repressive laws that inhibit press freedom and freedom of expression.

Nigeria

UNE ANTHOLOGIE DE LA POÉSIE CÉLÈBRE LA VIE D'UN ÉCRIVAIN NIGÉRIAN

Niger

LES MÉDIAS SUBISSENT DES PRESSIONS À PROPOS DE LA CRISE ALIMENTAIRE

Nigeria

ANTOLOGÍA DE POESÍA CELEBRA LA VIDA DE ESCRITOR NIGERIANO

Niger

PRESIONAN A MEDIOS POR CRISIS DE ALIMENTOS

Niger

MEDIA PRESSURED OVER FOOD CRISIS

In Niger, where the U.N. has stepped in to provide food aid in response to a serious food crisis, authorities have been pressuring journalists to toe the government line and penalizing those who report critically on the situation, report the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the International Press Institute (IPI).

Guinea

LE GOUVERNEMENT DÉMOCRATISE LES ONDES

Guinea

GOBIERNO DEMOCRATIZA ESPECTRO RADIAL

Guinea

GOVERNMENT DEMOCRATISES AIRWAVES

The small West African republic of Guinea took an important step toward guaranteeing press freedom last month, following the signing of a presidential decree that opens up the airwaves to private broadcasters, reported the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Sierra Leone

DES VOIX SE FONT ENTENDRE POUR EXIGER UNE ENQUÊTE À LA SUITE DU DÉCÈS D'UN RÉDACTEUR

Sierra Leone

MUERTE DE EDITOR INICIA EXIGENCIAS DE INVESTIGACIÓN

Côte d'Ivoire

MILICIAS PROGUBERNAMENTALES SIEMBRAN TEMOR ENTRE MEDIOS

Côte d'Ivoire

LES MILICES PROGOUVERNEMENTALES SÈMENT LA PEUR DANS LES MÉDIAS

Sierra Leone

EDITOR'S DEATH SPARKS CALLS FOR PROBE

International PEN's Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the International Press Institute (IPI) are calling on Sierra Leonean authorities to investigate the death of Harry Yansaneh, a journalist who died last week of kidney

Côte d'Ivoire

PRO-GOVERNMENT MILITIAS SPREAD FEAR THROUGH MEDIA

As Côte d'Ivoire prepares for presidential elections in October, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Human Rights Watch report that pro-government militia are using the threat of violence to intimidate journalists and media outlets.

Cameroon

LEVANTAN PROHIBICIÓN CONTRA RADIO PRIVADA

Cameroon

LEVÉE DE LA SUSPENSION D’UNE STATION DE RADIO PRIVÉE

Cameroon

BAN ON PRIVATE RADIO LIFTED

Cameroon's Communications Minister Pierre Moukoko Mbonjo has lifted a ban that the government imposed on Freedom FM, a private radio station founded by independent journalist Pius Njawé in 2003, reports Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontiéres, RSF).

Senegal

LES LOIS DU SÉNÉGAL SUR LES MÉDIAS ENTRAVENT LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE, SELON UN RAPPORT DU CPJ

Senegal

LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN DE SENEGAL IMPIDEN LIBERTAD DE PRENSA: INFORME DE CPJ

Senegal

SENEGAL'S MEDIA LAWS IMPEDE PRESS FREEDOM: CPJ

Compared to most of its neighbours in West Africa, Senegal is a model of stability, boasting a sturdy functioning democracy and one of the region's strongest independent presses. In May 2005, it won UNESCO's endorsement when it hosted the UN agency's World Press Freedom Day celebrations.

Togo

¡ACTÚE! TOGO: PROTESTE POR ATAQUES CONTRA MEDIOS

Sierra Leone

USAN LEY "DRACONIANA" PARA SILENCIAR A CRÍTICOS

Sierra Leone

UNE LOI « DRACONIENNE » POUR MUSELER LES CRITIQUES

Sierra Leone

"DRACONIAN" LAW USED TO MUZZLE CRITICS

In Sierra Leone, where journalists can be jailed for libeling public officials, the Public Order Act has become a convenient tool for silencing critics. Just ask Paul Kamara, Sydney Pratt and Dennis Jones. All three journalists have been imprisoned on charges of "seditious libel" after writing articles about alleged government corruption.

The Gambia

LES MEMBRES DE L'IFEX DEMANDENT JUSTICE À LA SUITE DE L'ASSASSINAT D'UN JOURNALISTE

The Gambia

MIEMBROS DE IFEX EXIGEN JUSTICIA POR ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

The Gambia

IFEX MEMBERS URGE JUSTICE IN JOURNALIST'S MURDER

More than 50 press freedom organisations, including nine IFEX members, are calling on the Gambian government to launch an independent, transparent investigation into the murder of journalist Deyda Hydara, saying five months after the killing, authorities have failed to identify the perpetrators.

The Gambia

UNE DÉLÉGATION DU CPJ S'INQUIÈTE POUR LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

The Gambia

DELEGACIÓN DEL CPJ PREOCUPADA POR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

The Gambia

CPJ DELEGATION CONCERNED FOR PRESS FREEDOM

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) is urging Gambia's president, Yahya Jammeh, to affirm his commitment to freedom of the press in the wake of recent attacks and threats against journalists, and the passage of new laws that have created deep mistrust between the government and the country's small independent press.

Cameroon

Camerún: 100,000 apoyan estación de radio proscrita

Cameroon

Cameroon: 100,000 Support Banned Radio Station

29 March 2005

Togo

LE MUSÈLEMENT DES RADIODIFFUSEURS PRIVÉS SUSCITENT LA CRAINTE

Togo

SE SUSCITAN TEMORES POR SILENCIAMIENTO DE EMISORAS PRIVADAS

Togo

FEARS RAISED OVER MUZZLING OF PRIVATE BROADCASTERS

The Media Foundation for West Africa, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are voicing concern over press freedom conditions in Togo, where at least ten privately-owned radio and television stations were closed by authorities for a week following the death of former President Gnassingbé Eyadéma.

The Gambia

GAMBIA: FIRME PETICIÓN QUE EXHORTA A INVESTIGAR ASESINATO DE PERIODISTA

The Gambia

GAMBIE : SIGNEZ LA PÉTITION QUI EXIGE UNE ENQUÊTE SUR LE MEURTRE D'UN JOURNALISTE

The Gambia

TAKE ACTION! THE GAMBIA: SIGN PETITION URGING INQUIRY INTO JOURNALIST'S MURDER

11 January 2005

The Gambia

UN ÉMINENT JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ; LE PARLEMENT ADOPTE UNE LOI RÉPRESSIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

The Gambia

IMPORTANTE PERIODISTA ASESINADO; PARLAMENTO APRUEBA LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN REPRESIVAS

The Gambia

LEADING JOURNALIST MURDERED, PARLIAMENT PASSES REPRESSIVE MEDIA LAWS

IFEX members are expressing alarm at the state of press freedom in The Gambia, where a leading journalist was recently murdered and two bills that impose harsh penalties on the media were passed in parliament.

Ghana

LA MFWA PUBLIE UN OUVRAGE À PROPOS DES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS AU GHANA

Ghana

MFWA PUBLICA LIBRO SOBRE LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN EN GHANA

Ghana

MFWA PUBLISHES BOOK ON GHANA MEDIA LAWS

Researching Ghana's laws pertaining to media and freedom of expression should now be easier thanks to a new reference guide published by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The IFEX member has just launched "Legislation on Media, Speech and Expression in Ghana: A Source Book."

Côte d'Ivoire

ATAQUES A MEDIOS EN COLAPSO DE ALTO AL FUEGO

Côte d'Ivoire

LE CESSEZ-LE-FEU AVORTE, LES MÉDIAS SONT VISÉS

Côte d'Ivoire

MEDIA TARGETED AS CEASEFIRE COLLAPSES

In Côte d'Ivoire, following the collapse of a ceasefire agreement between government and rebel forces, gangs of youth militias reportedly linked to the ruling Ivoirian Popular Front (FPI) party have declared open season on opposition media.

Togo

PERIODISTAS DE TOGO PIDEN QUE UE VIGILE REFORMA DE MEDIOS

Liberia

INSTAN A GOBIERNO LIBERIANO A REFORMAR LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Togo

DES JOURNALISTES TOGOLAIS APPELLENT À LA VIGILANCE DE L'UE À L'ÉGARD DES RÉFORMES DES MÉDIAS

Liberia

LE GOUVERNEMENT LIBÉRIEN PRIÉ DE RÉFORMER LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Togo

TOGOLESE JOURNALISTS URGE EU VIGILANCE ON MEDIA REFORMS

If the past actions of Togo's president, Gnassingbé Eyadéma, are anything to go by, recent democratic reforms aimed at renewing aid ties with the European Union (EU) ought to be viewed with skepticism. That's the position of many independent journalists, who say the EU must play a vigilant watchdog role if press freedom conditions are to improve in the country, according to a new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Liberia

LIBERIAN GOVERNMENT URGED TO REFORM MEDIA LAWS

An internationally-supported conference attended by dozens of journalists, lawyers and human rights advocates in Monrovia, Liberia, has called on authorities to bring all laws affecting the media and free expression into line with international standards within six months.

Sierra Leone

AGISSEZ ! SIERRA LEONE : UN RÉDACTEUR EN CHEF EST CONDAMNÉ À QUATRE ANS DE PRISON

Sierra Leone

¡ACTÚE! SIERRA LEONA: EDITOR SENTENCIADO A CUATRO AÑOS DE CÁRCEL

Liberia

LA CONFÉRENCE DU LIBÉRIA S'ATTAQUERA À LA RÉFORME DE LA LOI SUR LES MÉDIAS

Liberia

CONFERENCIA EN LIBERIA EMPRENDERÁ REFORMA DE LEY DE MEDIOS

Liberia

LIBERIA CONFERENCE TO TACKLE MEDIA LAW REFORM

IFEX members will play prominent roles at a conference in Monrovia, Liberia, this month aimed at producing a blueprint for bringing the war-torn country's media laws and policies in line with international free expression standards.

Nigeria

AUTORIDADES CIERRAN PUBLICACIONES INDEPENDIENTES

Nigeria

LES AUTORITÉS FERMENT DES PUBLICATIONS INDÉPENDANTES

West Africa

JOURNALISTS AGREE TO FORM SUB-REGIONAL NETWORK

Media associations from Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia have agreed to form a network to provide support for journalists in the Mano River sub-region of West Africa. The agreement came at the end of a three-day seminar in August 2004 sponsored by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).

Nigeria

AUTHORITIES SHUT DOWN INDEPENDENT PUBLICATIONS

In a blow to freedom of expression in Nigeria, state security agents have raided the offices of two independent publications in the past week, confiscating equipment and arresting editorial staff. The move has prompted IFEX members to raise serious concerns over democracy in the country.

West Africa

MFWA TO HOLD STRATEGY MEETING FOR LAWYERS AND JOURNALISTS

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is holding a two-day strategy meeting in Accra, Ghana, in November to strengthen legal assistance programmes for journalists in the region.

Togo

DES RÉFORMES JURIDIQUES DÉPÉNALISENT LA DIFFAMATION

Togo

REFORMAS LEGALES DESPENALIZAN LA DIFAMACIÓN

Togo

LEGAL REFORMS DECRIMINALISE DEFAMATION

Journalists in Togo can no longer be sent to prison for defaming or insulting officials, following a decision by the government to reform a controversial press law, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontierès, RSF).

The Gambia

DES INCENDIES CRIMINELS VISENT LES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS

Benin

LE CPJ SE DIT TROUBLÉ PAR L'EMPRISONNEMENT DES JOURNALISTES

The Gambia

INCENDIARIOS ATACAN MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES

Benin

CPJ PREOCUPADO POR ENCARCELAMIENTO DE PERIODISTA

The Gambia

ARSON ATTACKS TARGET INDEPENDENT MEDIA

A series of arson attacks against independent media in The Gambia has prompted three IFEX members to raise concerns over press freedom conditions in the West African country. In the latest attack, a BBC correspondent's house was set ablaze while he was sleeping.

Benin

CPJ TROUBLED BY JAILING OF JOURNALISTS

In Benin, a country with one of the better press freedom records in West Africa, two reporters have been imprisoned this year, becoming the first journalists since 1996 to be jailed for their work, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Liberia

LE MRA ET LA MFWA TIENNENT UN SÉMINAIRE SUR LA RADIODIFFUSION AU LIBÉRIA

Liberia

MRA Y MFWA PARTICIPAN EN SEMINARIO DE DIFUSIÓN EN LIBERIA

Liberia

MRA, MFWA ENGAGE IN LIBERIA BROADCASTING SEMINAR

In Liberia, where years of brutal civil conflict have left the country's media in a fragile state, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) are working with journalists' associations and media development groups in Liberia to rebuild the infrastructure.

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE ET LE MRA INAUGURENT UNE FORMATION EN DROITS DE LA PERSONNE POUR LES JOURNALISTES NIGÉRIANS

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE Y MRA INICIAN CAPACITACIÓN EN DERECHOS HUMANOS PARA PERIODISTAS NIGERIANOS

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE, MRA LAUNCH HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING FOR NIGERIAN JOURNALISTS

Freedom House is teaming up with Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in Nigeria to train journalists in improving coverage of human rights. The IFEX members will work together on an 18-month project to equip participants from the states of Lagos, Plateau and Rivers with tools to better inform the public and the government on key issues.

Senegal

AGISSEZ ! UN RÉDACTEUR EST EMPRISONNÉ

Côte d'Ivoire

COSTA DE MARFIL: PERIODISTA CANADIENSE DESAPARECIDO

Cameroon

AGISSEZ ! Cameroun: Signez une pétition d'appui à une station de radio

The Gambia

ATTAQUE CONTRE UN JOURNAL INDÉPENDANT

The Gambia

ATACAN A PERIÓDICO INDEPENDIENTE

The Gambia

INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER ATTACKED

Unknown assailants set fire last week to the printing press of a fiercely independent newspaper in Banjul, The Gambia, prompting four IFEX members to raise concerns over press freedom in the west African country. The attack against "The Independent" was the second in six months.

Côte d'Ivoire

LES FORCES DE SÉCURITÉ ATTAQUENT LES JOURNALISTES

Benin

¡ACTÚE! BENIN: PERIODISTA SENTENCIADO A CÁRCEL POR DIFAMACIÓN PENAL

Côte d'Ivoire

FUERZAS DE SEGURIDAD ATACAN A PERIODISTA

Côte d'Ivoire

SECURITY FORCES ATTACK JOURNALISTS

In Côte d'Ivoire, where UN soldiers are enforcing a fragile peace agreement, journalists are getting caught in violent clashes between pro-government supporters and the political opposition, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE SE ASOCIA CON GRUPO NIGERIANO PARA CAPACITAR PERIODISTAS

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE S'ASSOCIE AVEC UN GROUPE DU NIGÉRIA POUR DONNER DE LA FORMATION À DES JOURNALISTES

Nigeria

FREEDOM HOUSE PARTNERS WITH NIGERIAN GROUP TO TRAIN JOURNALISTS

Journalists in Nigeria are expected to gain valuable skills in covering corruption, conflict and political reform next month, thanks to a training initiative organised by Freedom House.

Côte d'Ivoire

Relator de ONU visita Costa de Marfil

Côte d'Ivoire

ASESINO DE PERIODISTA SENTENCIADO A PRISIÓN

Côte d'Ivoire

LE RAPPORTEUR DES NATIONS UNIES EN VISITE EN CÔTE D'IVOIRE

Côte d'Ivoire

L'ASSASSIN D'UN JOURNALISTE EST CONDAMNÉ À LA PRISON

Côte d'Ivoire

UN RAPPORTEUR VISITS CÔTE D'IVOIRE

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Ambeyi Ligabo, is visiting Côte d'Ivoire this week to investigate free-expression violations in the war-torn country.

Côte d'Ivoire

JOURNALIST'S KILLER SENTENCED TO PRISON

A military court in Côte d'Ivoire has sentenced a local police officer to 17 years in jail for the October 2003 murder of Radio France Internationale correspondent Jean Hélène, report the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Gabon

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT DANS DES CIRCONSTANCES SUSPECTES

Gabon

PERIODISTA MUERE EN CIRCUNSTANCIAS SOSPECHOSAS

Gabon

JOURNALIST DIES IN SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) are calling for an independent investigation into the death of Marco Boukoukou Boussaga in Libreville, Gabon.

Nigeria

L'IPC LANCE UN LIVRE SUR LA LIBERTÉ DE L'INFORMATION AU NIGÉRIA

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH TIRE LA SONNETTE D'ALARME AU SUJET DES VIOLATIONS DE LA LIBRE EXPRESSION

Nigeria

IPC PRESENTA LIBRO SOBRE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN EN NIGERIA

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH DA VOZ DE ALARMA ACERCA DE VIOLACIONES A LA LIBRE EXPRESIÓN

Nigeria

IPC LAUNCHES BOOK ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION IN NIGERIA

As Nigeria's parliament considers passing a proposed freedom-of-information act, grassroots activists are coming together to support the measure, and they now have a manual with which to strengthen their case.

Nigeria

HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH RAISES ALARM ON FREE-EXPRESSION VIOLATIONS

Commonwealth leaders meeting in Nigeria this week should raise concerns about freedom of expression in the country, where brutal measures, including killings and torture, are being used to repress journalists and citizens, says Human Rights Watch in a new report.

Nigeria

L'AMARC EXERCE DES PRESSIONS POUR FAIRE ADOPTER UNE CHARTE AFRICAINE DE LA RADIODIFFUSION

Nigeria

AMARC INSTA A ADOPCIÓN DE ESTATUTO AFRICANO SOBRE DIFUSIÓN

Nigeria

AMARC URGES ADOPTION OF AFRICAN BROADCASTING CHARTER

The African chapter of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters (AMARC Africa) has joined the Panos Institute of West Africa and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS) in calling on the Nigerian government to adopt the African Charter on Broadcasting.

Mauritania

RSF CUESTIONA A CANDIDATOS PRESIDENCIALES ACERCA DE LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Mauritania

RSF LANCE UN DÉFI AUX CANDIDATS À LA PRÉSIDENCE SUR LA QUESTION DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE

Mauritania

RSF CHALLENGES PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES ON PRESS FREEDOM

As Mauritanians prepare to vote in presidential elections on 7 November, Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) has issued a challenge to all candidates, calling on them to pledge their support for greater press freedom.

Côte d'Ivoire

UN CORRESPONDANT FRANÇAIS EST ABATTU

Côte d'Ivoire

CORRESPONSAL FRANCÉS MUERTO

Côte d'Ivoire

FRENCH CORRESPONDENT KILLED

Jean Hélène, a long-time correspondent for Radio France Internationale (RFI), was shot dead by a policeman in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, on 21 October while awaiting the release of jailed opposition party activists.

The Gambia

ARTICLE 19 MÈNE LA PROTESTATION CONTRE LA LOI « DRACONIENNE » SUR LES MÉDIAS

The Gambia

ARTICLE 19 ENCABEZA MANIFESTACIONES CONTRA LEY DE MEDIOS "DRACONIANA"

The Gambia

ARTICLE 19 LEADS PROTEST AGAINST "DRACONIAN" MEDIA LAW

ARTICLE 19 and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) are joining forces to support the Gambia Press Union (GPU) against a new law they say is one of the most "draconian pieces of media legislation" in Africa.

Liberia

Au Libéria, une école de journalisme est pillée et crie à l'aide

Nigeria

LES MÉDIAS SONT RESTREINTS PENDANT QUE L'ANARCHIE GRANDIT

Liberia

Vandalismo en escuela de periodismo liberiana; solicita auxilio

Nigeria

MEDIOS RESTRINGIDOS EN MEDIO DE "ILEGALIDAD CRECIENTE"

Nigeria

MEDIA CURBED AMIDST "GROWING LAWLESSNESS"

The Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA), Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) are calling attention to recent attacks on press freedom in Nigeria amid what RSF calls a "growing climate of lawlessness."

Togo

ARTICLE 19 DEMANDE L'ABROGATION DES LOIS « DRACONIENNES »

Togo

ARTICLE 19 INSTA A LA DEROGACIÓN DE LEYES "DRACONIANAS"

Togo

ARTICLE 19 URGES SCRAPPING OF "DRACONIAN" LAWS

ARTICLE 19 has released a new report calling on the Togolese government to repeal laws introduced in 2002 that have been actively used to silence government criticism. The report says the laws ? which prohibit false news, criminalise defamation and require the licensing of journalists ? violate international standards on freedom of expression and should be scrapped immediately.

West Africa

CONFERENCE MULLS REGIONAL PLAN FOR MEDIA AND PEACE-BUILDING

Journalists and press-freedom groups from six West African countries have joined international organisations in recognising the need for more collaboration in media and peace-building projects, reports the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Liberia

ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS MOUNTING

As civil conflicts continue to rage in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Liberia, IFEX members are reporting increased attacks on journalists in recent weeks. In Liberia's capital, Monrovia, journalists and human rights activists in Monrovia have suffered the worst reprisals in what appear to be targeted and systematic attacks on residents caught up in the conflict, report the Media Institute for Southern Africa (MISA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

Liberia

MEDIA UNDER FIRE

With thousands of civilians fleeing the Liberian capital of Monrovia amid intense fighting between rebels and government troops, the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) are calling attention to the persistent attacks and threats against journalists and independent media in the country.

Nigeria

Nigeria: Musicians Under Threat, Says Freemuse

In Nigeria, once considered Africa's musical leader, the story of growing musical censorship is a mirror to the country's widening political faultlines, according to a new report by FreeMuse, the

Côte d'Ivoire

ON TROUVE LE CADAVRE D?UN JOURNALISTE

Côte d'Ivoire

ENCUENTRAN CUERPO DE PERIODISTA

Côte d'Ivoire

JOURNALIST'S BODY FOUND

In Côte d'Ivoire, where civil war continues to place journalists in danger, the body of journalist Kloueu Gonzreu was found last week in the western region of Toulépleu, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Nigeria

FONT CAMPAGNE EN FAVEUR D?UNE MEILLEURE COUVERTURE DES ÉLECTIONS PAR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

GRUPOS HACEN CAMPAÑA EN FAVOR DE MEJOR COBERTURA ELECTORAL DE LOS MEDIOS

Nigeria

GROUPS CAMPAIGN FOR BETTER ELECTION MEDIA COVERAGE

As Nigeria prepares for April elections, a coalition of press-freedom groups, including the Independent Journalism Center (IJC), has joined together to launch a campaign aimed at ensuring broadcast media report impartially and give political parties equal access to the airwaves.

Nigeria

LE SÉNAT ABROGE DES LOIS « RÉPUGNANTES » SUR LA PRESSE

Nigeria

SENADO REVOCA LEYES DE PRENSA "REPUGNANTES"

Nigeria

SENATE REPEALS "REPUGNANT" PRESS LAWS

Nigeria has repealed three laws that critics say are repugnant to press freedom and in violation of the country's constitution, report the Independent Journalism Center (IJC) and the Institute for Media and Society (IMS).

Côte d'Ivoire

REGAIN DE VIOLENCE CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES, MALGRÉ L?ACCORD DE PAIX

Côte d'Ivoire

RENOVADA VIOLENCIA CONTRA PERIODISTAS A PESAR DE TRATADO DE PAZ

Côte d'Ivoire

RENEWED VIOLENCE AGAINST JOURNALISTS DESPITE PEACE TREATY

The war-torn country of Côte D'Ivoire may have a new peace treaty committing its leaders to respect press-freedom and human rights, but that hasn't prevented journalists from coming under more attacks, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Liberia

UN JOURNALISTE EST REMIS EN LIBERTÉ

Liberia

PERIODISTA LIBERADO DE CÁRCEL

Liberia

JOURNALIST RELEASED FROM DETENTION

Liberian journalist Hassan Bility has been released from custody without charge after more than five months of detention, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Equatorial Guinea

MISSION D?UN RAPPORTEUR DES NATIONS UNIES

Equatorial Guinea

RELATOR DE ONU LLEVA A CABO MISIÓN

Equatorial Guinea

UN RAPPORTEUR CONDUCTS MISSION

The United Nations' (UN) new Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression, Ambeyi Ligabo, is in Equatorial Guinea this week to investigate free-expression violations in the West African country, reports IRIN News. The mission is one of the first for Ligabo, a Kenyan, since being appointed Special Rapporteur on 26 August.

Nigeria

JOURNAL EST VISÉ EN RAISON DE LA CONTROVERSE ENTOURANT LE CONCOURS « MISS MONDE

Nigeria

EMITEN FATWA; PERIÓDICO ATACADO POR NOTICIA DE "MISS MUNDO"

Nigeria

FATWA ISSUED, NEWSPAPER TARGETED OVER "MISS WORLD" STORY

Press-freedom groups have raised concerns over conditions in Nigeria after a death sentence was issued against a journalist whose article about a Miss World beauty contest sparked violent protests and the destruction of a newspaper's offices.

West Africa

CONFERENCE TO STRATEGISE CONFLICT-REPORTING NETWORKS

The Panos Institute of West Africa (PIWA) and the African Institute of Political Geography (AFRIPOG) will be hosting a conference next week to launch a two-year initiative aimed at improving understanding of the media's role in fostering peace and stability in West Africa.

Liberia

UN JOURNALISTE EMPRISONNÉ POURRAIT ÊTRE LIBÉRÉ

Liberia

POSIBLE LIBERACIÓN DE PERIODISTA ENCARCELADO

Liberia

IMPRISONED JOURNALIST MAY BE RELEASED

Liberia's President, Charles Taylor, has given the first indication that journalist Hassan Bility, secretly detained since June on suspicion of collaborating with rebels, may soon be released, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF).

Côte d'Ivoire

UN RAPPORT DE RSF SOULIGNE DE «GRAVES VIOLATIONS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE»

Côte d'Ivoire

INFORME DE RSF DESTACA

Côte d'Ivoire

AU SUJET DES CONDITIONS DE LA LIBERTÉ DE LA PRESSE DANS LE PAYS EN CRISE

Côte d'Ivoire

PREOCUPACIÓN POR CONDICIONES DE LA LIBERTAD DE PRENSA EN MEDIO DE CRISIS

Togo

D?UN PROJET DE LOI PRÉVOIT DES PEINES PLUS LOURDES POUR LES JOURNALISTES

Togo

PROYECTO DE LEY IMPONE SENTENCIAS MÁS SEVERAS A PERIODISTAS

Togo

DRAFT BILL IMPOSES HEAVIER SENTENCES ON JOURNALISTS

The government of Togo has come under fire for proposing a new bill that would impose heavier fines and prison sentences for defaming or insulting the president and other state institutions.

Sierra Leone

LE CPJ ÉVALUE LA SITUATION DES MÉDIAS

Sierra Leone

ARTICLE 19 EVALÚA ESTADO DE LOS MEDIOS

Sierra Leone

CPJ ASSESSES STATE OF THE MEDIA

For a country only recently emerging from years of brutal civil war, Sierra Leone's media have come a long way? and still have a long way to go, according to a special report released last week by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The organisation visited the country in May 2002 to assess the state of relations between government and the media, and how the press covered the recent elections.

Nigeria

L?OUVRAGE DE CHRIS ANYANWU FAIT REVIVRE LA TERREUR DE LA DICTATURE D?ABACHA

Nigeria

LIBRO DE CHRIS ANYANWU NARRA TERROR DE DICTADURA DE ABACHA

Nigeria

CHRIS ANYANWU'S BOOK RECOUNTS TERROR OF ABACHA DICTATORSHIP

During her more than three years of incarceration in Nigeria, journalist Chris Anyanwu managed to document her ordeal by smuggling notes and letters out of prison. These became the basis for her new book, "The Days of Terror," published earlier this year. Anyanwu was one of many journalists, politicians and others jailed in the 1990s under the dictatorship of General Sani Abacha, described in the book as Nigeria's "worst tyrant."

The Gambia

APRUEBAN PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS REPRESIVO

The Gambia

PROMULGATION D?UNE LOI RÉPRESSIVE SUR LES MÉDIAS

The Gambia

REPRESSIVE MEDIA BILL PASSED

The Gambia Press Union (GPU) is preparing to challenge the constitutionality of a media bill passed last week that gives the government powers to summon journalists, force them to reveal their sources and hand out stiffer penalties, says Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF). On 25 July, the Gambian parliament passed a bill that provides for the establishment of a government-appointed media commission. It will become law once President Yahya Jammeh signs it.

Liberia

SE TEME QUE IMPORTANTE PERIODISTA ESTÉ MUERTO EN MEDIO DE OFENSIVA CONTRA MEDIOS

Liberia

SERAIT MORT DANS LA VAGUE DE RÉPRESSION QUI S?EST ABATTUE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Liberia

LEADING JOURNALIST FEARED DEAD AMID CRACKDOWN ON MEDIA

Freedom-of-expression organisations have raised concerns over the fate of Hassan Bility, a prominent Liberian newspaper editor. The journalist is missing and feared dead, say the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF), while Human Rights Watch (HRW) is concerned that he may be at risk of torture and ill-treatment.

Liberia

LE GOUVERNEMENT INTERDIT UN DÉFILÉ

Liberia

GOBIERNO PROHÍBE DESFILE

Liberia

GOVERNMENT BANS PARADE

The Government of Liberia has come under sharp criticism for banning a World Press Freedom Day parade organised for 3 May by the Press Union of Liberia (PUL). The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) says the parade was banned because it apparently violated the government's recent order forbidding public gatherings. This is not the first time PUL has been banned from staging a World Press Freedom Day parade.

Niger

RADIO DE ENERGÍA SOLAR PROMUEVE LA PAZ

Nigeria

16 ESTACIONES DE RADIO PRIVADAS OBTIENEN LICENCIAS

Niger

UNE RADIO ALIMENTÉE À L?ÉNERGIE SOLAIRE DÉFEND LA PAIX

Nigeria

SEIZE STATIONS DE RADIO PRIVÉES OBTIENNENT UN PERMIS

Niger

SOLAR-POWERED RADIO PROMOTES PEACE

Can solar-powered wind-up radios help bring peace to a war-torn country? An innovative project by the Freeplay Foundation in Niger is certainly giving the idea a chance, reports Internews. In co-operation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and the government of Niger, the South Africa-based organisation has set up a program to donate solar-powered wind-up radios to rural communities as part of a wider effort to secure peace and identify local development priorities.

Nigeria

16 PRIVATE RADIO STATIONS SECURE LICENCES

Sixteen private broadcasters in Nigeria have secured licences from the government to operate radio stations across the country, reports the Independent Journalist Center (IJC-Nigeria). The broadcasters were among 400 who have applied for radio licences since 1992. Twelve of the sixteen broadcasters will operate commercial FM stations. IJC notes that at a press conference announcing the granting of licenses, Director General of the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission Danladi Bako said the government intends to grant more licences to deserving applicants.

Liberia

DES JOURNALISTES SONT ARRÊTÉS À LA SUITE DE LA PROCLAMATION DE L?ÉTAT D?URGENCE

Liberia

PERIODISTAS ARRESTADOS EN MEDIO DE ESTADO DE EMERGENCIA

Liberia

JOURNALISTS ARRESTED AMID STATE OF EMERGENCY

In the wake of a state of emergency declared 11 days ago by Liberian President Charles Taylor, authorities have arrested at least four journalists from the newspaper "Analyst" and ordered the publication shut down, report Reporters Without Borders (Reporters sans frontières, RSF) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). The journalists were arrested on 13 February in the capital, Monrovia, and are being held in the police station.

The Gambia

DE MEDIOS MIENTRAS GOBIERNO INTENSIFICA ACOSO

The Gambia

DES MÉDIAS ALORS QUE LE GOUVERNEMENT ACCROÎT SES MESURES DE HARCÈLEMENT

The Gambia

COMMONWEALTH URGES MEDIA COMMISSION AS GOVERNMENT STEPS UP HARASSMENT

Press freedom groups have expressed concerns that the government of Gambian President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh is exacting harsher measures against journalists.

Liberia

SINDICATO DE PRENSA REVIVE REVISTA MENSUAL

Liberia

LE SYNDICAT DES JOURNALISTES DU LIBÉRIA (PUL) RESSUSCITE UN MAGAZINE MENSUEL

Liberia

PRESS UNION REVIVES MONTHLY MAGAZINE

"Media Line", the monthly publication of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL), has returned to newsstands after a three-year absence. With the release of its November issue, the publication resumes its task of "keeping watch on the watchdogs" and "promoting the welfare of journalists in terms of better salaries and working conditions."

Guinea-Bissau

FERME DES JOURNAUX TANDIS QUE LES NATIONS UNIES EXPRIMENT LEUR INQUIÉTUDE

Guinea-Bissau

GOBIERNO CIERRA PERIÓDICOS MIENTRAS ONU EXPRESA PREOCUPACIÓN

Guinea-Bissau

GOVERNMENT SHUTS DOWN NEWSPAPERS AS UN VOICES CONCERN

Amidst concerns expressed by the United Nations Security Council over the political situation in Guinea-Bissau, the government has ordered two independent newspapers to shut down operations, report the West African Journalist's Association (WAJA) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). In a public statement released on 29 October, WAJA condemned the decision to close down "Diario de Bissau" and "Gazeta de Noticias" and urged the government to "work towards defusing the destructive atmosphere that predominates in the country." WAJA added that the government may also close down two independent radio stations – "Radio Pindjiguiti" and "Bombolom".

Togo

GOBIERNO LIBERA A PERIODISTA PROMINENTE

Togo

LE GOUVERNEMENT RELÂCHE UN JOURNALISTE CONNU

Togo

GOVERNMENT RELEASES PROMINENT JOURNALIST

Prominent Togolese journalist Lucien Messan has been released today after receiving a presidential pardon, reports the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Messan, the editorial director of "Le Combat du Peuple" and an outspoken critic of President Gnassingbé' Eyadéma's government, was originally sentenced in June to 18 months in prison. According to Reporters sans frontères (RSF), he was accused of "falsehood and the use of falsehood" by a government minister and charged with having added his signature to a press release issued by the Togolese Private Press Publishers Association (ATEPP). The press release had called attention to alleged extra-judicial killings in Togo in June 1998, according to WAN.

Sierra Leone

DES MÉDIAS; SEPT JOURNALISTES FIGURENT SUR UNE LISTE DE PERSONNALITÉS À ABATTRE

Sierra Leone

ACERCA DE PROYECTO DE RECONSTRUCCIÓN DE MEDIOS; SIETE PERIODISTAS EN LISTA

Sierra Leone

CJFE REPORTS ON MEDIA REBUILDING PROJECT; SEVEN JOURNALISTS ON HIT LIST

"The pay is low, the hours are long, but they keep at it. They have little advertising. They write about huge national stories. They criticize government. They struggle."

Nigeria

A PRESIDENTE; PROMETEN LIBERALIZACIÓN DE LEYES DE MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Nigeria

LE PRÉSIDENT; ON PROMET DE LIBÉRALISER LES LOIS SUR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

EDITOR JAILED FOR DEFAMING PRESIDENT; LIBERALISATION OF MEDIA LAWS PROMISED

Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has brought charges of criminal defamation against journalist Nnamdi Onyenua, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Onyenua, editor of the weekly, Lagos-based magazine "Glamour Trends", was arrested on 8 June. The charges resulted from an article entitled "Secrets Behind Obasanjo's Trips" that appeared in the magazine's 6 June edition. According to CPJ, the article alleged that the president receives US$1 million in allowances for each overseas trip and that he had amassed US$58 million in allowances over two years. Onyenua was detained for more than eleven days without formal charges, in violation of Nigerian law, notes CPJ. He was not arraigned until 19 June, when he was charged with publishing false information and defaming the president. On or about 21 June, he was released on bail.

Ghana

EN VUE D?ÉLIMINER LES DISPOSITIONS CONCERNANT LA DIFFAMATION PÉNALE

Ghana

PROCESS TO ELIMINATE CRIMINAL LIBEL BEGINS

Ghana has begun the process to remove criminal libel from its statute books, report the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) and ARTICLE 19. The bill that would repeal the law on seditious libel was published in the official gazette on 8 June, according to WAJA. The bill must still go through three readings in parliament before becoming law. Repeal of the criminal libel law was a campaign promise of the new government, elected in December 2000. The former government used the law on several occasions to harass journalists, notes WAJA.

Ghana

COMIENZA PROCESO PARA ELIMINAR DIFAMACIÓN PENAL

Mali

RETIRAN CARGO DE DIFAMACIÓN CONTRA DIRECTOR DE TV PÚBLICA

Togo

PROTESTA "SIN PRENSA" CONTRA SENTENCIA DE CÁRCEL A PERIODISTA

Mali

DIFFAMATION PORTÉE CONTRE UN DIRECTEUR DE LA TÉLÉVISION PUBLIQUE EST REJETÉE

Togo

UNE SEMAINE POUR PROTESTER CONTRE LA PEINE DE PRISON INFLIGÉE À UN JOURNALISTE

Mali

DEFAMATION CHARGE AGAINST PUBLIC TV DIRECTOR DROPPED

The defamation complaint against Sidiki Konaté, director-general of the Office of Radio and Television in Mali (ORTM), has been withdrawn according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF). On 16 May, Konaté was convicted of criminal defamation following a television broadcast in which the mayor of Bamako accused Malian magistrates of being corrupt and inefficient. RSF reports that a few days after Konaté was sentenced to one month in prison, the National Union of the Magistracy withdrew its complaint against him. The case is now closed.

Togo

"PRESSLESS" PROTEST AGAINST JOURNALIST'S PRISON SENTENCE

The arrest of Lucien Messan, one of Togo's most senior journalists, has led to protests from the country's private press as well as the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the Writers in Prison Committee of International PEN (WiPC) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN).

Cameroon

GOBIERNO INDEMNIZA A PERIODISTA OBJETO DE ABUSO

Cameroon

LE GOUVERNEMENT ACCORDE UN DÉDOMMAGEMENT À UN JOURNALISTE VIOLENTÉ

Cameroon

GOVERNMENT COMPENSATES ABUSED JOURNALIST

Albert Mukong, a Cameroonian journalist and human rights activist who took his case to the United Nations Human Rights Committee, has received US$137,000 from the Cameroon government in compensation for the abuses he suffered, reports ARTICLE 19. In 1994, the Human Rights Committee found that his rights to liberty and security of person and freedom of expression had been violated and recommended compensation. ARTICLE 19, which acted as Mukong's counsel, congratulates the the government for compensating the journalist and for "reaffirming "the principle that governments are responsible for past human rights violations committed by the state."

Mali

DIRECTOR DE DIFUSIÓN PÚBLICA ENCARCELADO POR DIFAMACIÓN

Mali

LE DIRECTEUR DE LA TÉLÉVISION PUBLIQUE EMPRISONNÉ POUR DIFFAMATION

Mali

PUBLIC BROADCASTING HEAD JAILED FOR DEFAMATION

The head of Mali's public broadcasting service has been sentenced to 30 days in jail for a criminal defamation charge brought by a union of judges, report the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). On 16 May, a court convicted Sidiki Konaté, head of the Office of Radio and Television in Mali (ORTM), of criminal defamation. The Autonomous Union of the Magistracy filed charges against both ORTM and the mayor of Bamako, Ibrahima N'Diaye, after a 26 March television programme in which the mayor accused Malian magistrates of being corrupt and inefficient, according to WAJA, CPJ and RSF. Sidiki was also sentenced to pay a fine of US$1,350. The mayor received a 30-day jail sentence and a US$4,000 fine, note WAJA and CPJ. Under Malian press law, the ORTM is punishable for having broadcast the mayor's remarks, while the mayor is considered an accomplice, says RSF.

Liberia

QUATRE JOURNALISTES SONT RELÂCHÉS À LA SUITE DE PRESSIONS INTERNATIONALES

Liberia

CUATRO PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS DEBIDO A PRESIÓN INTERNACIONAL

Liberia

FOUR JOURNALISTS RELEASED AFTER INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE

Four Liberian journalists were released on 30 March after more than a month in prison, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the US-based press freedom organisation Freedom Forum (FF). The journalists' release follows protests on their behalf by the Press Union of Liberia and international media advocacy organisations, including CPJ, which accused the Liberian government in March of bringing "trumped-up charges of espionage" against the journalists.

Burkina Faso

JOURNAUX AFRICAINS PARTICIPENT AUX ACTIONS DU RÉSEAU "PRESSE ET DÉMOCRATIE"

Burkina Faso

SE UNEN A PRIMERA ACCIÓN DE PRENSA Y DEMOCRACIA

Burkina Faso

35 AFRICAN PAPERS JOIN FIRST PRESS & DEMOCRACY ACTION

In the first campaign of the Press and Democracy network, thirty-five African newspapers are appealing for an end to impunity in the murder of Burkinabe journalist Norbert Zongo, according to Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Press and Democracy, Africa's first electronic network for the defence of press freedom, includes newspapers and organisations from nineteen francophone African countries. Its initial campaign involves the simultaneous publication of a full-page insert about the trial of Zongo's assassins. Participating newspapers include "Le Jour" in Côte d'Ivoire, "Les Echos du Jour" in Benin, "Le Pays" in Burkina Faso, "Le Messager" in Cameroon, "L'Observateur" in Mali, "Alternative" in Niger, "Le Populaire" in Senegal, "La Référence Plus" in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and "Crocodile" in Togo. The insert was also published in the 25-26 February issue of the French daily "Le Monde". The Press and Democracy network was launched with support from RSF and the Francophonie's Intergovernmental Agency.

Nigeria

PROPONEN REFORMAS A MEDIOS, PERO NO HACEN PÚBLICO INFORME

Nigeria

ON PROPOSE DES RÉFORMES POUR LES MÉDIAS, MAIS ON NE PUBLIE PAS LE RAPPORT

Nigeria

MEDIA REFORMS PROPOSED, BUT REPORT NOT MADE PUBLIC

A Nigerian government committee that has been reviewing the country's repressive media and publishing laws has submitted its report to Information Minister Jerry Gana, after a one-year public consultation process, reports the International Journalists' Network (IJN). The Minister accepted the report, but did not make it public. However, IJN says that Taiwo Alimi, the committee chairman and chief executive of the Voice of Nigeria, confirmed that the report made significant recommendations regarding the country's restrictive regulations governing the registration of newspapers, journals and magazines.

Nigeria

COMBATE DE LOS MEDIOS PARA JUGAR UN ROL UNIFICADOR EN UNA SOCIEDAD DIVERSA

Nigeria

LES MÉDIAS S?EFFORCENT DE JOUER UN RÔLE D?UNIFICATION DANS UNE SOCIÉTÉ PLURALIST

Nigeria

MEDIA STRUGGLE TO PLAY UNIFYING ROLE IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY

The need for the media to act as unifying agents in the diverse, multi-cultural societies of Africa was the central theme of a conference on "Media in Diverse societies: Roles, Responsibilities and Opportunities" held last month in Abuja, Nigeria, according to the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC). In a new and fragile democracy facing the potentially divisive forces of religion, ethnic rivalry, and regionalism, conference participants affirmed that "the media remain the only institution capable of unifying the people." IJC reports that George Soros, Chairman of the Open Society Institute, was one of those who addressed the conference for media owners, managers and stakeholders, urging the media to "contribute to creating harmonious co-existence among diverse groups in Nigeria." The conference, which took place from 11-13 December, was jointly organised by the IJC, the Panos Institute, and the New York University Center for War, Peace and the News Media.

Burkina Faso

ASESINOS DE PERIODISTA NO HAN SIDO CASTIGADOS, PROHÍBEN A RSF ENTRAR AL PAÍS

Burkina Faso

COURENT TOUJOURS, TANDIS QUE RSF EST INTERDIT DE SÉJOUR AU PAYS

Burkina Faso

JOURNALIST'S MURDERERS UNPUNISHED, RSF BARRED FROM COUNTRY

Two years after the murder of journalist Norbert Zongo in Burkina Faso, Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) has denounced the fact that the culprits remain unpunished. Although an independent commission of inquiry in May 1999 identified six suspects and implicated the President?s brother, no one has been charged, according to RSF.

Liberia

LOS MEDIOS SIGUEN VULNERABLES A LAS AMENAZAS

Liberia

LES MÉDIAS RESTENT VULNÉRABLES AUX MENACES

Liberia

MEDIA REMAINS VULNERABLE TO THREATS

In the attempt to exercise their right to inform and express themselves freely, the media in Liberia have found themselves on a roller coaster ride for the past decade, says an unnamed correspondent for "Zongo Giwa" (Vol. 1, No. 2, 2000), a publication of the Media Foundation for West Africa. Since Charles Taylor became president in 1997, the development of the media has been "stunted" while the state-owned media "attempts with much difficulty to dominate public opinion agenda-setting." Prior to Taylor's rule, media workers were embroiled in a seven-year civil war, forced to either flee the country or become party to the conflict. "For a country coming from the throes of war, a confrontation between the government and the media can hardly help the path to peace," writes the author. Independent journalists and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) have made concerted efforts to improve the relationship between government and the media, such as sponsoring a workshop on "Media / Government Collaboration in Fostering and Sustaining Development". The intervention of human rights organisations, such as the Center for Democratic Empowerment and the Carter Centre, as well as PUL, at critical points during this time has proven to be invaluable for the media's safety.

Liberia

RETRAIT DES ACCUSATIONS D?ESPIONNAGE PORTÉES CONTRE DES JOURNALISTES

Liberia

PERIODISTAS LIBERADOS DE CARGOS DE ESPIONAJE

Liberia

JOURNALISTS FREED FROM ESPIONAGE CHARGES

On 25 August, Liberian authorities released four journalists for Britain's Channel Four who had been detained for a week on espionage charges, report the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). On 18 August, Sorious Samura of Sierra Leone, Gugulakhe Radebe of South Africa, and David Barrie and Timothy John Lambon of the United Kingdom were arrested and indicted on espionage charges under claims that they intended to produce a documentary that was "damaging and injurious" to the country. For three weeks, the journalists had been filming and conducting interviews for a TV documentary. According to CPJ, the crew had requested an interview with President Charles Taylor, "who is widely suspected of supplying rebel forces in neighboring Sierra Leone with weapons and logistical support in exchange for diamonds." The President stated in an interview that the four were released after they had "apologized" to the nation, reports MISA.

Guinea

AUTORIDADES CENSURAN PRENSA LOCAL Y EXTRANJERA

Guinea

LES AUTORITÉS CENSURENT LA PRESSE LOCALE ET ÉTRANGÈRE

Guinea

AUTHORITIES CENSOR LOCAL AND FOREIGN PRESS

The National Communications Council (CNC) of Guinea's recent decision to suspend three foreign correspondents is part of "a systematic campaign to stifle critical voices in Guinea and, in particular, to block international coverage of the Condé trial," warns the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). On 28 July, Mouctar Bah of Agence France-Presse, Ben Daouda Sylla of Africa No. 1, and Amadou Diallo of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) had their credentials suspended for two months by the CNC. The regulatory body accused the journalists of "distributing information of a tendentious and malicious nature on the socio-political situation in the Republic of Guinea, with the unconfessed intention of tarnishing its image of peace and stability,"says Reporters sans frontières (RSF). The suspension occurred only one week prior to the resumption of opposition leader Alpha Condé's trial. The trial of Condé, who faces charges of "endangering the state," has been widely denounced by both local and international media as well as human rights groups "on both procedural and substantive legal grounds," attests CPJ.

The Gambia

CAMPAÑA SISTEMÁTICA PARA SUPRIMIR INFORMES

The Gambia

CAMPAGNE SYSTÉMATIQUE POUR SUPPRIMER LES REPORTAGES

The Gambia

SYSTEMATIC CAMPAIGN TO SUPPRESS REPORTING

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has come to the "unfortunate conclusion" that recent press freedom violations in The Gambia are "not isolated incidents, but part of a systematic campaign to suppress reporting on issues of legitimate public concern." CPJ has written to Gambian President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh to express its deep concern over a series of recent abuses.

Côte d'Ivoire

LA JUNTE ENVISAGE DE LÉGALISER LA CENSURE

Côte d'Ivoire

JUNTA PLANEA LEGALIZAR CENSURA

Côte d'Ivoire

JUNTA PLANS TO LEGALISE CENSORSHIP

Côte d'Ivoire's Information Minister Captain Henri Cesar Sama announced on 23 June that the ruling National Public Salvation Committee (CNSP) would soon release a list of measures designed to block publication of any information "likely to negatively affect the credibility of journalists, national security and social peace," according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). In response, CPJ wrote to President Robert Gueï on 28 June, stating that it is "gravely disturbed" by the regime's plans to tighten state control over the press.

West Africa

WAJA CONDEMNS VIOLATIONS ON ITS 14TH ANNIVERSARY

In a 21 June statement marking its 14th anniversary, the West African Journalists' Association (WAJA) renewed its "pledge to defend and promote press freedom in the region." When WAJA was established 14 years ago, the political landscape in its 16 member-countries was dominated by military regimes and one-party states. "Those years were marked by arbitrary arrests and detentions of journalists," according to WAJA.. "Today, almost all the countries in the sub-region have returned to constitutional rule, but this welcome transition to democracy has not resulted in significant gains for freedom of expression."

West Africa

MEDIA GROWTH MET WITH REPRESSION

While the 1990s were "boom years" for West Africa's media, this progress was invariably met with new challenges and more attacks on press freedom in the region, saws Kwame Karikari, in the first edition of "Zongo-Giwa", a new publication of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The "general progressive trend in mass media pluralism and freedom" is among the many victories of the peoples in the region, says Karikari. However, repression of this movement has continued with the arrest, detention, harassment, and murder of journalists in the area. "Incessant prison sentences and forbidding damages from politically motivated suits are legal instruments of gagging and killing media all over the region," writes Karikari. Noting the critical role of local, regional bodies in consolidating freedom of expression and democratic development in the area, Karikari states that "external support in the end makes lasting effect when they complement local initiatives."

Sierra Leone

DANS UNE EMBUSCADE TENDUE PAR DES REBELLES DU RUF

Sierra Leone

DOS PERIODISTAS MUERTOS EN EMBOSCADA DE RUF

Sierra Leone

TWO JOURNALISTS KILLED IN RUF AMBUSH

On 24 May, renowned war-zone journalists Miguel Gil Moreno de Mora of Spain and Kurt Schork of the United States were killed while traveling in vehicles near Rogberi Junction, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the World Association of Newspapers (WAN). Moreno de Mora was a Spanish cameraman working for Associated Press Television News (APTN) and Schork was an American journalist working for Reuters. The journalists were ambushed by rebels from the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) while traveling with soldiers of the Sierra Leone Army (SLA) and two other journalists. Four soldiers were also killed and the other two journalists were injured.

Nigeria

DES JOURNALISTES POURSUIVENT LA LUTTE POUR RECEVOIR UNE PROTECTION JURIDIQUE

Nigeria

PERIODISTAS CONTINÚAN COMBATE POR PROTECCIÓN LEGAL; OTRAS NOTICIAS

Nigeria

JOURNALISTS CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR LEGAL PROTECTION; OTHER NEWS

While journalists have long protected the rights of all people in Nigeria, there are still no laws in place which offer them protection in their work, says Babafemi Ojudu in "The Fourth Estate" (No. 5), a publication of the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER). In his article, "Media: The African Experience", Ojudu assesses the horrendous attacks and abuses which journalists suffered under General Abacha's regime. He states that the press in Nigeria and throughout Africa "have had to bear the brunt of the struggle for good government, for democracy, and for restoration of human dignity for our people." Describing the resourceful, "guerrilla journalism" tactics that journalists used while under Abacha's rule, Ojudu says that things have improved for journalists in Nigeria since Abacha's rule ended. However, legal challenges to the media continue to exist, says Ojudu. While there is still no legislation in place which protects journalists and guarantees access to information, there continue to be laws in place which work against the press. As an example of such legislation, he points to Decree 48, which compels newspapers to be registered for a prohibitively expensive fee.

Ghana

PRESIDENTE DE WAJA SE ENFRENTA A POSIBLES CARGOS DE SEDICIÓN

Ghana

LE PRÉSIDENT DE L?UJAO POURRAIT ÊTRE ACCUSÉ DE SÉDITION

Ghana

WAJA PRESIDENT FACES POSSIBLE SEDITION CHARGES

On 3 February, Kabral Blay-Amihere, president of the West African Journalists Association (WAJA), executive member of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and editor of "The Independent", was summoned to the Criminal Investigation Department of the Ghana Police on possible charges of sedition, reports WAJA and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The investigation was related to an editorial that Blay-Amihere wrote and published in "The Independent" on 11 January about the military. The article urged the public to boycott "the traditional 31 December military parade, describing it as a relic from the days when the army controlled all state agencies and affairs in Ghana," says CPJ. WAJA reports that "under Ghana's Criminal Code of 1960, any person found guilty of sedition faces a minimum prison sentence of five years." Blay-Amihere was released after several hours of interrogation.

Burkina Faso

CONTINÚA IMPUNIDAD EN CASO DE ZONGO

Burkina Faso

L?IMPUNITÉ PERDURE DANS LE CAS DE ZONGO

Burkina Faso

IMPUNITY CONTINUES IN ZONGO CASE

The Burkina Faso government's failure to fully investigate the death of journalist Norbert Zongo is indicative that "the government is not yet determined to shed full light on this case," says a recent Reporters sans frontières (RSF) report. The report, entitled "What's happening with the inquiry into Norbert Zongo's Death?", was issued on 13 December, marking the first anniversary of the death of Zongo. It examines the government's response to the official independent committee of inquiry into the journalist's death. The former editor of "L'Indépendant" and a human rights worker, Zongo was killed with three others on 13 December 1998. Zongo was a long-time critic of the impunity with which the government of Burkina Faso operated and was one of the founding members of the Mouvement Burkinabé des droits de l'homme et des peuples (Burkinabé Movement for Human and Peoples' Rights, MBDHP).

Burkina Faso

ARTICLE 19 CALLS FOR AN END TO IMPUNITY IN BURKINA FASO

ARTICLE 19 will recognise International Human Rights Day on 10 December 1999 by joining insolidarity with organisations in Burkina Faso who are challenging impunity and remembering journalist Norbert Zongo and three others who were all killed on 13 December 1998.

Nigeria

IPI SE REUNE CON GOBIERNO PARA ANALIZAR LIBERTAD DE PRENSA

Nigeria

L'IIP RENCONTRE LE GOUVERNEMENT POUR DISCUTER DE LIBERTÉ DE PRESSE

Nigeria

IPI MEETS WITH GOVERNMENT TO DISCUSS PRESS FREEDOM

In a meeting with President Olusegun Obasanjo and other government officials 31 October to 2 November, the International Press Institute (IPI) applauded the recent efforts made by Obasanjo's government to improve media freedom. As an example of such efforts, IPI pointed to the government's recent repeal of several laws restrictive of the media. IPI expressed concern, however, about decrees still intact, under which "the Nigeria Press Council is given the power to register publications and journalists, impose fines for violations, and force journalists to disclose sources of information." IPI also stated its concern about the high taxes to which the Nigerian media is subjected. Overall, in the meeting, Obasanjo again confirmed his commitment to abolish" all obnoxious and draconian measures" used against the press in his country, reports IPI.

Sierra Leone

PROYECTO DE LEY DE MEDIOS Y ATAQUES CONTRA PERIODISTAS CAUSAN INQUIETUD

Sierra Leone

CONTRE LES JOURNALISTES SUSCITENT L?INQUIÉTUDE

Sierra Leone

MEDIA BILL AND ATTACKS ON JOURNALISTS CAUSING CONCERN

Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) and ARTICLE 19 are alarmed by a contentious new media bill which is being tabled in Sierra Leone. ARTICLE 19 reports that the "Independent Media Commission Bill No. 99 of 1999" imposes statutory regulation on the print media which will create serious freedom of expression issues, outweighing any potential benefits. A media council has been proposed which will be able to suspend or revoke media licenses as well as hand out large fines. The legislation suggests that a three member committee will be appointed by the president and will review complaints against journalists. The bill would also grant new powers to the Ministry of Information, allowing it the authority to approve or revoke registration of newspapers for publication. According to a report received by CJFE from the International League for Human Rights in New York, "the media bill does not proscribe existing restrictive laws such as the 1964 criminal libel law."

The Gambia

WAJA CONFERENCE PROTESTS RADIO BAN, NEW MEDIA POLICY

Journalists' groups attending the 4th West African Journalists' Association (WAJA) Conference in Banjul, The Gambia protested the closure of a radio station and the government's proposed media policy, among other media freedom violations. Citizen FM radio should be allowed back on the air in The Gambia, say WAJA and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in a joint press release with the Gambia Press Union (GPU) issued on 17 June at the closing of the conference. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also issued a protest letter on the case after the meeting. A recent appeal in the High Court to re-open the station was adjourned. On 6 February 1998, Citizen FM's owner Baboucar Gaye and news editor Ebrima Sillah were detained and the station was closed by the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Gaye was charged with operating a radio station without a license but it appears the closure might have been related to concerns about critical reports of the NIA. WAJA, the IFJ, the GPU and the CPJ also protest the recent firing of news editor Demba Jawo and deputy managing director Theophilus George from "The Observer" after the paper was taken over by a businessman who is close to the government.

Burkina Faso

NIEGAN ENTRADA A RSF PARA INVESTIGACIÓN DE MUERTE DE PERIODISTA

The Gambia

PROTESTA POR PROHIBICIÓN DE RADIO Y NUEVA POLÍTICA DE MEDIOS

The Gambia

RADIO ET LA NOUVELLE POLITIQUE SUR LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; PIDEN LEY DE LIBERTAD DE INFORMACIÓN

Nigeria

APPEL À L'ADOPTION D'UNE LOI SUR LA LIBERTÉ D'INFORMATION

Nigeria

JOURNALIST MURDERED; CALL FOR FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

Journalist Edward Olalekan Ayo-Ojo, better known as Eddy Ayo-Ojo, was found dead in Lagos on 1 June, according to the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). An autopsy failed to reveal the exact causes of his death but there are some reports that he may have been strangled by unknown assailants. Ayo-Ojo had worked with several magazines, including the "Daily Times". At the time of his death he was a freelancer, writing features published in national dailies.

Sierra Leone

PERIODISTA MUERE EN PRISIÓN

Nigeria

SE INTENSIFICAN ATAQUES A MEDIOS

Nigeria

ESCALADE DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS

Sierra Leone

UN JOURNALISTE MEURT EN PRISON

Sierra Leone

JOURNALIST DIES IN PRISON

On 30 April, journalist Conrad Roy, the news editor of "Expo Times", died while incarcerated in Sierra Leone, report Reporters sans frontières (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Roy died in hospital from tuberculosis contracted in prison, after he was transferred to the hospital during the week of 26 April. In February 1998, the West African Peacekeeping Force (ECOMOG) detained Roy in Freetown, and he was only charged in December 1998 with "treason and aiding and abetting the enemy [and] conspiring to overthrow a legally constituted government," says CPJ. During his detention, Roy was denied the opportunity to appear before the Investigation Committee set up to decide who should be charged with treason for activities occurring during the rule by the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) and the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). On 6 January 1999, upon entering Freetown, RUF rebel forces released Roy along with other prisoners, but CPJ says that four days later Roy returned to prison in compliance with the government's order for prisoners to turn themselves in.

Nigeria

ATTACKS ON MEDIA ESCALATING

Attacks on members of the media are escalating in Nigeria, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC), ARTICLE 19, the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). ARTICLE 19 notes that with less than a month to go before the handover to a civilian government, human rights violations continue in Nigeria. As of last week, "over a dozen people, mostly journalists and trade union leaders, have been arrested and many more declared wanted in an attempt to suppress critical voices and those exercising their democratic rights," says ARTICLE 19.

Nigeria

PERIODISTA MUERTO

Sierra Leone

NUEVE PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS EN ENERO, DICE INFORME DE RSF

Sierra Leone

UN RAPPORT DE RSF FAIT ÉTAT DE NEUF JOURNALISTES TUÉS EN JANVIER

Nigeria

UN JOURNALISTE EST ASSASSINÉ

Nigeria

JOURNALIST KILLED

Fidelis Ikwuebe, a freelance journalist who contributed to "The Guardian" daily newspaper, was murdered during bloody clashes between two communities in Anambra State in Nigeria, report the Independent Journalism Centre (IJC) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). Ikwuebe was kidnapped earlier this month by members of one of the two communities, Aguleri and Umuleri, who have been fighting for a week in the east of Anambra State. According to RSF, the fighting between the two communities left at least 500 people dead. According to IJC, "Reports said the journalist, along with a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of Ezinifite in the Nnewi South Local Government area of Anambra state, Peter Udekwe, was kidnapped during the crisis. The police chief was said to have been sacrificed to a local deity in Umuleri while the journalist was murdered in cold blood."

Sierra Leone

NINE JOURNALISTS KILLED IN JANUARY, SAYS RSF REPORT

Nine journalists were killed in January during fighting in Sierra Leone, says Reporters sans frontières (RSF) in an April report entitled "Black January for the press." RSF says many journalists in the country suffered attacks, kidnapping, detention and threats during the unrest in January. On 6 January, rebels of the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) entered Freetown and went on a rampage for a couple of weeks, killing thousands of people. The rebels, who oppose the elected president, Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, were finally driven out by the West African peacekeeping force (ECOMOG).

Nigeria

NIRAN MALAOLU EST MALADE

Nigeria

JOURNALIST KILLED; NIRAN MALAOLU ILL

Journalist Bolade Fasasi was shot dead on 7 April by three unknown gunmen in Nigeria 's second biggest city, Ibadan, reports Reporters sans frontières (RSF). She was treasurer of the Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and an active member of the National Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ).

Nigeria

DES ATTAQUES CONTRE LES MÉDIAS INDÉPENDANTS SÈMENT L'INQUIÉTUDE

Nigeria

ATAQUES A MEDIOS INDEPENDIENTES CAUSAN INQUIETUD

Nigeria

ATTACKS ON INDEPENDENT MEDIA CAUSE CONCERN

Recent attacks on the independent media in Nigeria have caused concern, coming at a time when the country is attempting to undergo a transition to democracy, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Reporters sans frontières (RSF), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), ARTICLE 19 and the Writers in Prison Committee (WiPC) of International PEN. On 11 February, Lanre Arogundade, Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), was arrested and detained for three days by police after a complaint was lodged against him over a petition and he was accused of "making trouble." The IFJ believes that Arogundade was arrested as a result of his press freedom work and is concerned because the arrest came at a time when he "had been receiving death threats as a result of his NUJ activities."

Sierra Leone

MAS PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS Y REPORTADOS DESAPARECIDOS

Sierra Leone

D?AUTRES JOURNALISTES SONT ASSASSINÉS ET PORTÉS DISPARUS

Sierra Leone

MORE JOURNALISTS MURDERED AND REPORTED MISSING

The seemingly never ending toll of journalists who have been murdered, or who are missing and feared dead, has increased again in Sierra Leone, reports the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). (For more information, see IFEX "Communiques" #8-4, #8-3, and #8-1.) While most of the journalists are presumed to have been murdered by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, CPJ reports that Abdullai Jumah Jalloh, news editor of the independent newspaper "African Champion", was murdered by a soldier of the West African Peacekeeping Forces (ECOMOG) in Freetown on 3 February. Jalloh was apparently mistaken for a RUF rebel and executed point blank. CPJ has discovered that sometime between 9 and 15 January, Munir Turay, a freelance broadcast and print journalist, died, reportedly after being shot in the back. According to IFEX's partner in Nigeria, who must remain anonymous for safety concerns, Nigerian journalist James Ogogo, previously declared missing and feared dead, has indeed been killed in Sierra Leone. ">http://communique.ifex.org/articles.cfm?category=1%20Regional%20News&volume=8&issue_no=4&lng=english#329">#8-4, #8-3, and #8-1.) While most of the journalists are presumed to have been murdered by Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, CPJ reports that Abdullai Jumah Jalloh, news editor of the independent newspaper "African Champion", was murdered by a soldier of the West African Peacekeeping Forces (ECOMOG) in Freetown on 3 February. Jalloh was apparently mistaken for a RUF rebel and executed point blank. CPJ has discovered that sometime between 9 and 15 January, Munir Turay, a freelance broadcast and print journalist, died, reportedly after being shot in the back. According to IFEX's partner in Nigeria, who must remain anonymous for safety concerns, Nigerian journalist James Ogogo, previously declared missing and feared dead, has indeed been killed in Sierra Leone.

Sierra Leone

MÁS PERIODISTAS ASESINADOS; SE TEME POR VIDA DE OTROS

Sierra Leone

ENCORE DES JOURNALISTES ASSASSINÉS OU PRÉSUMÉS MORTS

Sierra Leone

MORE JOURNALISTS MURDERED, FEARED DEAD

At least one other journalist has been murdered and at least four others are missing and presumed dead during recent turmoil in Sierra Leone, report the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters sans frontières (RSF). In addition to those previously reported murdered (see IFEX "Communique" #8-3), Paul Mansaray, deputy editor of the newspaper "Standard Times" was killed on 9 January by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, report CPJ and RSF. Mansaray was murdered in his home in Freetown along with his wife, two young children and a nephew, when rebels set their house on fire and sprayed it with gunfire. According to CPJ, "A fellow journalist, who alerted Mansaray when he saw RUF rebels approaching, sought refuge in a neighbor's house and overheard the rebels threatening Mansaray about his journalistic work."">http://communique.ifex.org/articles.cfm?category=0X&volume=8&issue_no=3%26amp;lng=english#307">IFEX "Communique" #8-3), Paul Mansaray, deputy editor of the newspaper "Standard Times" was killed on 9 January by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, report CPJ and RSF. Mansaray was murdered in his home in Freetown along with his wife, two young children and a nephew, when rebels set their house on fire and sprayed it with gunfire. According to CPJ, "A fellow journalist, who alerted Mansaray when he saw RUF rebels approaching, sought refuge in a neighbor's house and overheard the rebels threatening Mansaray about his journalistic work."

Nigeria

LEYES PODRÍAN RESTRINGIR MEDIOS DE COMUNICACIÓN

Nigeria

CERTAINES LOIS POURRAIENT RESTREINDRE LES MÉDIAS

Nigeria

LAWS COULD RESTRICT MEDIA

Journalists in Nigeria are urging the government to remove a section from the draft constitution under consideration which would codify the formation of a National Mass Media Commission (NMMC), reports the latest edition of the Independent Journalism Centre's (IJC) "Media Monitor." Media executives met at a two-day public debate on the 1995 draft constitution in Lagos on 26 and 27 December to discuss the proposal. Ronke Ballantyne of the Minaj Group said "the clause in the section which restricts the circulation of newspapers or magazines beyond their state of operation would inhibit freedom of expression." She said, "the law stipulates that unless private media establishments in the country go public, they can neither circulate nor broadcast beyond their states of operation." The result would be that the government would control the media. Ndu Ughamadu, Editor of the "Daily Times", who was representing the over 500 members of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE), said the proposed Media Commission is unnecessary, noting that the Nigeria Press Council (NPC), the Ministry of Information and the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) already regulate the media. Ughamadu said "that the group that sponsored the commission [mistakenly] believed that journalists would be monitoring the activities of government officials and would be preventing them from carrying out some of their excesses in governance."

Sierra Leone

PERIODISTA ASESINADO; OTROS DOS HERIDOS

Sierra Leone

UN JOURNALISTE EST TUÉ, DEUX AUTRES SONT BLESSÉS

Sierra Leone

JOURNALIST KILLED; TWO OTHERS INJURED

A journalist was killed and two others were injured in Sierra Leone on 10 January, report the

Burkina Faso

ENCUENTRAN CUERPO DEL PERIODISTA NORBERT ZONGO

Burkina Faso

LE JOURNALISTE NORBERT ZONGO EST TROUVÉ MORT

Burkina Faso

JOURNALIST NORBERT ZONGO FOUND DEAD