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AFEX Bemoans Recent Attacks on Journalists in Somalia

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Bemoans Recent Attacks on Journalists in Somalia

The African Freedom for Expression Exchange (AFEX) is deeply concerned about the recent spate of freedom of expression (FOE) violations in Somalia.

Within the past one week, (September 18-23, 2018) at least three serious incidents have been reported including the killing of Abdirisak Said Osman, a journalist who used to work with Radio Codka Nabada (Voice of Peace).

According to Human Rights Journalists (HRJ), a local human rights organisation in Somalia, unknown assailants on September 18, 2018 stabbed Osman in the back and on the chest with daggers. The journalist was on his way home when the incident happened around 23:00. Osman died the following day (September 19) at the Galkaio hospital where he was rushed to by some passersby. The reason behind Osman’s attack is unknown and the police are yet to arrest the perpetrators of this gruesome act.

This is the second journalist to be killed in Somalia this year. Barely two months ago, a young journalist, Abdirisak Qasim was shot dead by a policeman at a security checkpoint in Mogadishu. Qasim was working with SBS TV before his untimely death. The incident which occurred on July 26, has received no redress and the culprit continues to enjoy impunity.

Again, security officials arbitrarily arrested a TV journalist with Universal TV, Mohamed Abdiwali Tohow on September 22 in Dhusomareb town, capital city of Galmudug State. Tohow was invited to the headquarters of the Galmudug Intelligence and Security Agency via a phone call and detained upon arrival without any explanation.

As if these barbaric acts by security agents against journalists were not serious enough, a police officer hurled stones at a group of journalists who had been invited by the deputy commander of Galkaio Police Department of Puntland, Mohamed Ali, for a press conference. While some of the victims came out with minor bruises, one of them, Mohamed Ali Siyad, who is the director of Radio Gaalkacyo, was severely injured in the unprovoked attack.

Siyad was immediately taken to hospital to seek medical attention.  AFEX is disappointed in the leadership of the security agencies in Somalia for blatantly ignoring these attacks perpetrated against journalists by their officers.. It is sad to note that even in instances where the perpetrators were clearly identified, the police did nothing to ensure justice for the attacked journalists.

AFEX calls upon the authorities of the various security agencies in the country to, as a matter of urgency, revisit these incidents and ensure that the violators are severely punished. Impunity for crimes against journalists will only embolden the attackers to carry out more attacks, which will be dangerous for Somalia’s FOE environment.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins HRJ to condemn these acts of barbarism against press freedom and FOE rights in Somalia and call on the police to bring the culprits to book.

Six Months of Obscurity: Chadians Digitally Cut-Off

Felicia Anthonio
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Six Months of Obscurity: Chadians Digitally Cut-Off

On March 28, 2018, the government of Chad shut down social media platforms such Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp without any explanation. It’s been six months (September 2, 2018) and the people of Chad continue to live in suspense, not knowing when access to these platforms will be restored. The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) as part of its digital rights and Internet freedom advocacy shares with you Salim Azim Assani’s perspective on how the shutdown is affecting lives in the country. Assani is a member of RFI’s platform of French bloggers, Mondoblog and a major actor in Chad’s digital space. Below is an overview of incidents of network disruptions recorded in Chad over the past two years:  

Chadian internet users (netizens) continue to face censorship

If Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp were classrooms where users were students, Chadians would certainly be among the worst students, September 2, 2018 marking exactly six months of absence. This situation arises out of censorship for which nobody (neither the government nor the internet providers) would take responsibility. Meanwhile, Chad remains inexplicably cut off these social networks.  

First of all, far from being a widely used tool, Internet access is a luxury in Chad. Only 5% of Chadians have access to the Internet with a quality that leaves much to be desired despite the fact that the two main providers, Tigo and Airtel, have switched to 4G technology. It is clear that the authorities are aware of the wide gap between Chad and the digital world, for which reason large-scale projects have been planned. These include, the creation of an African Center for Information Technologies (CATI), the construction of a three-way fibre optic interconnection linking Cameroon and Sudan as well as the Trans-Sahara – Algeria through Niger. Unfortunately, in contradiction with all these great ambitions, some unknown hands are censoring the internet, making the most popular social media platforms among Chadians inaccessible.

Network disruption in Chad following demonstrations against the dissemination of a video of a rape victim

On February 18, 2016, access to electronic message services such as Gmail, Yahoo and Ooutlook.com were disconnected, following wide circulation of the video of   sexual assault of Zouhoura, a young high school student. The circulation, which was initiated by the attackers, drew widespread protests across the country. The head of state for the first time, took to social media to condemn the barbaric incident. Unfortunately, access to social media platforms were cut a day after his intervention. Nevertheless, it must be noted that before the censorship related to the Zouhoura demonstrations occurred, some information networks were already targeted. Makaïla’s blog as well as online newspapers like Tchadinfos and Tchadactuel had been censored even if they were reinstated later.    

Internet censorship during elections, an African ritual

From 9 to 11 April 2016, there was a complete Internet and mobile services blackout throughout the presidential elections. The networks were fully restored after three weeks.    

Arbitrary Shutdown of Social Media Platforms

The reasons behind the blocking of the social media on May 9, 2016 remained unexplained, until they were restored on December 2, 2016. Several rights groups including Internet Without Border, Access Now, that advocate for a transparent and neutral Internet denounced the shutdown. . According to Internet without Borders (ISF), the shutdown cost Chad an estimated amount of 500 million euros. 

Ongoing social media blackout in Chad since March 28, 2018

Since March 28, 2018, there has been another social media blackout in full swing, forcing Chadians, who are already used to such situations to bypass the shutdown by using circumvention tools to access the Internet. Annadjib, a young blogger in an interview with TV5 Monde, bitterly explained how the shutdown has interrupted his regular use of the Internet.  At the very beginning of this censorship, several freedom of expression and human rights organisations denounced the shutdown of social media platforms in Chad. For instance, the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) wrote to Airtel officials in the country to demand explanation for the shutdown but, did not receive any feedback. AFEX again issued a statement calling on the government to restore the platforms. Internet without Borders (ISF) also wrote articles in which it called on governments in Central Africa to intervene. But this was also, without any success. On August 24, 2018, ISF and a group of Chadian lawyers, led by Mr. Frédéric Daïnonet, filed a complaint against the mobile operators Airtel and Tigo for blocking access to social social media for over five months at the time. M. Daïnonet denounced the shutdown as a violation of consumer rights and an infringement of the freedom of expression. But in the meantime, the network remains censored. 

Government’s Buck-Passing

In a radio interview, Mr. Ahmat Bachir, Minister of Public Security and Administration of Chad denied the restrictions of social media platforms by operators. According to him, “the government would not have allowed/condoned any disruption or restriction of social networks”. For the Chadian minister, the censorship felt by the majority of Chadians is a myth. Inviting civil society groups who are currently filing complaints in Chadian courts for the restoration of normal connectivity, he said: “These are bad languages, gossip,” as reported on the ISF website. 

Chadian Internet users (netizens) forced to adapt

Forced to use apps to connect to social networks, Chadians complain about additional costs. The only alternative in order not to exceed their monthly Internet budget is to connect less than usual. This does not favor the growth of the digital economy and the emergence of true freedom of expression. 

Chadian Netizens gripped by Paranoia  

Often, we hear that WhatsApp as well as other social media platforms are monitored in the country. These are usually rumors circulating among internet users. Those who are more cautious have deactivated their social media accounts, others are just observers, and the bravest continue to navigate as if nothing had happened, that is if they do not end up becoming activists fighting to free “their Internet”. Under no circumstances should censorship be a substitute for dialogue. To gag a whole population amounts to provoking them to rebellion leading to their losing confidence in the authorities.    

It is therefore important for stakeholders to work together to protect Internet users by adopting rights-respecting legislation as well as taking measures to protect them against online threats and dangers. The government of Chad has a duty to promote Internet access and penetration, guarantee its transparency and to offer digital literacy education to citizens so that they can take full advantage of the benefits the Internet presents.  

 

Journalist Brutalised on Alleged Orders of Politician

Felicia Anthonio
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Journalist Brutalised on Alleged Orders of Politician

This statement was originally published on www.mfwa.org on August 29, 2018.

Thugs believed to have been hired by a politican, Hassan Ayariga, have attacked a senior reporter with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Bawku, in the Upper East Region of Ghana.

Having invited the reporter, Jerry Azanduna, to a supposed press conference to be addressed by Mr. Ayariga on August 27, 2018, the thugs, numbering five, offered to take the journalist to the conference venue in their car, according to a story published by the GNA.

Instead, Azanduna was driven to the house of Ayariga and assaulted, allegedly, on the orders of the politician who questioned the journalist over a recent story he had written about him (Ayariga).

The GNA reported Azanduna was severely beaten while an armed policeman stood by unconcerned. The journalist suffered bruises all over his body, including both eyes. He is reported to be responding to treatment at the Bawku Presbyterian Hospital, after being issued with a police medical form.

Meanwhile, Ayariga, who has reportedly spurned an opportunity to react to the “offending” publication, after calling the GNA to protest against it, has refused to comment on the assault and his alleged involvement.

The MFWA condemns the brutality meted out to Azanduna and calls for thorough investigations into the assault. We believe that as the founder of a political party and two-time candidate in Ghana’s presidential elections, Ayariga would not condone such a blatant violation of press freedom and the human rights of a fellow citizen. We are therefore disappointed at his silence over the incident which he is expected to condemn, no matter who the culprits are.

State Security Agents, Lead Violators of Freedom of Expression Violations in Africa

Felicia Anthonio
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State Security Agents, Lead Violators of Freedom of Expression Violations in Africa

State security agents accounted for a majority of violations recorded in the first half of 2018 (January-June) according to the Freedom of Expression (FOE) in Africa Situation Report  produced by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX).

Out of a total of 123 violations recorded in 25 countries state security agents were responsible for 69 of them. The violations occurred in countries in East, West and Southern and Central Africa.  Some of the violations recorded included physical assault, arbitrary arrests and detentions, confiscation of equipment belonging to journalists. Sadly, security agents were also responsible for three incidents of killings which involved protesters.

Other perpetrators of the FOE violations cited in the FOE Situation in Africa Report included unidentified individuals, political party affiliates, officials working with government ministries, agencies etc.

Altogether, a total of 106 identified victims suffered directly from the 123 recorded violations. Eighty-one of victims were male journalists, while five of them were females. The remaining violations were against media organisations and ordinary citizens.

According to the report, obtaining justice for victims of freedom of expression and assembly violations remain a serious challenge. Most often, perpetrators of these FOE violations are left unpunished. During the period under review, however, a few remedial actions were taken in some of the countries cited.

For details of the remaining FOE violations recorded by AFEX, kindly click here to access the full copy of the FOE Situation in Africa Report. 

AFEX Welcomes the African Commission’s Condemnation of Repressive Online Regulations in East Africa

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Welcomes the African Commission’s Condemnation of Repressive Online Regulations in East Africa

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) welcomes the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR)’s condemnation of increased adoption of stringent laws to regulate the online space in Africa.

In a statement signed by the Commission’s Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa (the Special Rapporteur) Commissioner Lawrence Mute, and the Country Rapporteur responsible for monitoring the human rights situation in Kenya and Tanzania Commissioner Solomon Dersso, expressed “concern on the growing trend of States in East Africa adopting stringent regulation measures on the Internet and Internet platforms.”

Considering the increasing threats and attacks on Internet rights and freedoms of citizens that have been recorded in Africa within the past years, AFEX shares the ACHPR’s concerns over the sad phenomenon. For instance, over the past, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya have introduced regulation that will further constrict the cyberspace in the various countries.

In March 2018, President Magufuli assented the Electronic and Postal Communications (Online Content) Regulations 2018, which among other things, requires bloggers and users of online platforms such as radio and television stations in Tanzania to pay up to 2,100,000 Tanzanian Shillings (about USD 930) in order to acquire operation licences. This regulation has been widely criticised as an affront to online speech. Several online platforms including the country’s leading platform, Jamii Forums were forced to shut down following government’s enforcement of the new online content regulation.

Similarly, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya on May 16, 2018 passed into law the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Bill. Under the guise of tackling cybercrime in the country, the law contains repressive provisions that has the potential of muzzling freedom of speech in Kenya.a Prior to the adoption of the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes law, the Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) on May 14, 2018, imposed licences and exorbitant fees for anyone posting videos filmed with phones and/or posted to social media and punishment for violations include fines up to Kenyan Shillings (KES) 100,000 (GBP 752) or imprisonment of up to five years. The KFCB also has to approve such videos before they are uploaded.

As if the introduction of these laws were not unfortunate enough, the government of Uganda on July 1, 2018 began the implementation of the Excise Duty (Amendment) Bill 2018, popularly known as social media tax law. The controversial law requires users of ‘over the top’ services such as social media platforms to pay a daily levy of Ugandan Shillings (UGX) 200 (USD 0.05), to access these platforms.

It will be recalled that President Yoweri Museveni warned in April 2018 that he was going to tax social media usage as such platforms are used to promote “gossip” in the country.

As rightly noted by the ACHPR, these regulations “may negatively impact the ability of users to gain affordable access to the Internet”. The vaguely worded laws such as the case of Tanzania also give sweeping powers to the government to censor content deemed unfavourable. It also contains onerous penalties of up to at least 12 months’ imprisonment or a minimum fine of 5,000,000Tanzanian Shillings (USD 2,190.30), or both. These strict provisions will serve as an avenue/opportunity for authorities to witch hunt journalists, bloggers, activists and individuals who are critical of their governments.

AFEX joins The AU Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information to denounce these regulations, and urge authorities in the various countries to review the laws.  We also join The ACHPR to remind these States of their obligations to recognise the important role of the Internet in advancing human and peoples’ rights in their respective countries and in Africa as noted in the Resolution on the Right to Freedom of Information and Expression on the Internet in Africa

Again, AFEX urges African governments to recognise their obligations and commitment to protect the online freedom of expression and access to information rights.

Read the full statement by the Commission published on July 12, 2018 here.

Soldier Assaults Foreign Journalist

Felicia Anthonio
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Soldier Assaults Foreign Journalist

This statement was originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on August 2, 2018.

Yeshiel Panchia a journalist with the European Pressphoto Agency (EPA) was on 2 August 2018 assaulted by a soldier following deployment of the army to quell protests in Harare.

Panchia told MISA Zimbabwe the soldier whipped him as he tried to render assistance to a man wounded during riots that broke out in Harare yesterday.  A picture of the incident has gone viral on social media.

Panchia is a duly accredited journalist who is in Zimbabwe to cover the country’s elections.

MISA position

The right to media freedom of both local and foreign journalists should be upheld at all times given the essential role played by the media in the dissemination and sharing of information, views and opinions. Furthermore, the assault of foreign journalists on Zimbabwean soil has negative implications in terms of international humanitarian law provisions that seek to protect journalists working in foreign lands.

Registration for Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica18) Opened

Felicia Anthonio
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Registration for Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica18) Opened
Registration for the sixth edition of the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2018 (FIFAfrica18) is opened. FIFAfrica18 is a landmark event that brings together various stakeholders from the Internet governance and online rights arenas in Africa and beyond to deliberate on gaps, concerns and opportunities for advancing privacy, access to information, free expression, non-discrimination and the free flow of information online on the continent.
The Forum is being hosted by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA) in collaboration with AFEX member in Ghana, Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). FIFAfrica will take place on 26–28 September, 2018 in Accra, Ghana. There will also be pre-events which will take place on 26 September, while the main Forum takes place on 27-28, September.

Kindly click the link below to register, propose a session and/or apply for travel support : https://t.co/Wf9E1u4tsr

Please note below the important dates related to this form:
— The closing date for registration to attend is 18.00 West African Time on September 21, 2018.
— Applications for travel support will be accepted till August 15, 2018
— Successful travel support applicants will be notified by September 8, 2018
— Session proposals will be accepted till August 3, 2018

For questions, please email [email protected].

AFEX Denounces Confiscation of Newspaper Publications by Sudan’s NISS

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Denounces Confiscation of Newspaper Publications by Sudan’s NISS

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) denounces the decision of Sudan’s National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) to confiscate copies of newspaper publications belonging to media organisations in the country.

On Sunday, July 22, 2018 the NISS confiscated printed copies of Al-Jareeda and Masadir newspapers respectively. Publications of Al-Jareeda have been seized for three consecutive days since Sunday.

No reason was given by the security officials for the confiscation. However, according to the editor in chief of Aljareeda newspaper, Ashraf Abdel-Aziz, the seizure of the Sunday publications of the newspaper was likely to be in connection with the republication of a statement by the editor-in-Chief of Masadir newspaper, Abdel-Magid Abdel-Hamid. The statement protested his being banned a meeting between Egyptian President Abdel-Fatah al-Sisi and Sudanese media representatives.

The Al-Jareeda newspaper has experienced several incidents of harassment from state officials since its establishment in 2011. Last month, the paper was unable to distribute copies of its June 6 publication because agents of the NISS cited articles about increases in the prices of food stuffs and an attack on a market in Sudan’s Darfur region. Again in May 2016, the NISS confiscated copies of the newspaper four times within five days without explanation.

The 2009 Press and Publication Act empowers the NISS to censor the circulation of newspapers that are critical or unfavourable to the government before publication. The seizure of publications belonging to newspaper organisations has therefore become a common tool used by the NISS to stifle dissent in the country.

On January 7, 2018, officials of the NISS confiscated publications of six newspapers for publishing reports about protests against ongoing austerity measures in the country.

Between January 1 and December 31, 2015, the NISS confiscated publications belonging to over 50 organisations with some newspaper organisations being targeted on more than one occasion.
These confiscations and other freedom of expression violations do not only threaten citizens’ right to freedom of expression but also have serious financial ramifications for the sustainability of the media organisations.

According to Abdel-Aziz, his newspaper has incurred a financial loss of up to 200,000 Sudanese pounds ($4000) as a result of the continued confiscations during this year.

Sadly, the NISS continues to perpetrate these violations against free speech with impunity. According to the 2010 National Security Act (NSA), officials of the NISS are immune to prosecution for any act committed against citizens “in the course of their work” or “in good faith”, resulting in a pervasive culture of impunity for press freedom violations in Sudan.

AFEX condemns the actions of the NISS as an affront to the right of free speech. We call on President Omar Al-Bashir to order officials of the NISS to put a stop to the arbitrary confiscations of newspaper publications in the country and ensure that freedom of expression and access to information rights are protected as guaranteed in Sudan’s Constitution.

Prosecutor Demands 3 Years Imprisonment for Protest Leaders

Felicia Anthonio
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Prosecutor Demands 3 Years Imprisonment for Protest Leaders

This statement was originally published on mfwa.org on July 17, 2018.

Prosecutors in Niger have demanded three years imprisonment for several influential civil society leaders who have been languishing in prison since March, 2018  for leading  a wave of popular protests against the country’s 2018 finance law.

Numbering 24, the activists, including Ali Idrissa, head of the Réseau des organisations pour la transparence et l’analyse budgétaire (ROTAB), Moussa Tchangari, the secretary general of Alternative espaces citoyens (AEC), and Nouhou Arzika, the president of the Mouvement pour la promotion de la citoyenneté responsable (MPCR) were charged before court on July 10, 2018.

According to the MFWA’s correspondent in Niger, they are accused of defying the ban on demonstrations and destroying public property.

Niger has since October 2017 been shaken by demonstrations calling for the review of the Finance law for 2018 which critics describe as too austere and anti-social. One of the major criticisms against the law is that it grants excessive tax concessions to telecommunications companies at the expense of citizens.

Several freedom of expression organisations, including the MFWA condemned the arrests of the activists last March as a violation of freedom of expression and demanded their release.

Lawyers for the accused said their clients have committed no crime and pleaded for their release, while the state prosecutor has requested for three years’ prison sentences against the civil society leaders. Judgment is expected to be delivered on July 24, 2018.

“The offenses for which our clients are prosecuted are not constituted in law, we believe that they will soon recover their freedom,” said Ali Kadri, a lawyer of the defense.

The MFWA calls on the country’s authorities to unconditionally release the activists and uphold the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration as guaranteed under Niger’s constitution.

AFEX Urges Zambia Government to Adopt Multi-Stakeholder Approach in Formulating Internet Policies

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Urges Zambia Government to Adopt Multi-Stakeholder Approach in Formulating Internet Policies

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins journalists, bloggers, and activists in Zambia to call on the government to develop and adopt a transparent, inclusive and multi-stakeholder approach in enacting internet policies that will ensure that the people of Zambia have access to free and open Internet. This approach will ensure that citizens’ online rights are protected.

Authorities in Zambia are about to introduce before parliament, three bills that are meant to regulate the Internet and in particular social media. The proposed bills are; the Cyber Security and Cybercrime Bill, Data Protection Bill and Electronic Commerce and Transactions Bill. Sadly, the process of drafting these laws has been secretive and non-participatory, prompting fears that the laws will contain repressive elements that are likely to be used to stifle freedom of expression online.

Civil society organisations such as MISA Zambia, Bloggers of Zambia and the Zambia Centre for Social Development (ZCSD), through the #OpenSpaceZM campaign have been urging  to the government of Zambia to actively involve journalists, bloggers, civil society actors and citizens in the formulation and the drafting process of the proposed cyber laws in the country.

However, the government has not heeded to these calls to publicise the bills. The bills if passed in their current state   would have serious repercussions for the enjoyment of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, media rights and access to information online.

Although the President Edgar Lungu’s  government has assured the public that the objective of the bills is to protect citizens’ Internet rights and freedoms, recent actions by state officials do not engender and guarantee trust owing to the fact that a number of violations have been perpetrated against individuals with dissenting opinions.  State actors continue to issue threats against social media users that government will   introduce  laws that will require  administrators of WhatsApp groups to register their platforms..

In Zambia, the Internet is considered to be the only space available for citizens to enjoy their right to freedom of expression and assembly. This is because the government uses laws such as the Public Order Act and Penal Code to clamp down on critical media and to infringe on citizens’ rights.  The country’s media regulator, Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) has also been responsible for the withdrawal of licence of private TV and radio stations that are critical of the government. .

While AFEX acknowledges that online harassment and identity/data theft are legitimate threats that need to be controlled to guarantee citizens’ safety and security, we believe that this important exercise should not be left in the hands of the government alone, without the involvement of other key stakeholders.

AFEX is seriously concerned that the formulation and passage of these laws without due consultation with the general public will pose a grave threat to fundamental human rights including freedom of expression online in Zambia.

AFEX urges President Edgar Lungu to prioritise Internet rights and freedoms of citizens in accordance with national, regional and international frameworks. We call on him and the leadership of  Parliament to make public the proposed bills for scrutiny and review by the general public to ensure that they promote democracy.

MFWA to Co-Host Africa’s Biggest Internet Freedom Event

Felicia Anthonio
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MFWA to Co-Host Africa’s Biggest Internet Freedom Event

This statement was originally published on mfwa.org on July 4, 2018.

From September 26 to 28, 2018, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) will co-host Africa’s biggest Internet freedom forum in Accra, Ghana.  The annual convening, which is dubbed Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa (FIFAfrica) brings together key stakeholders in the Internet governance and online/digital rights environment from the continent and beyond.

The MFWA will be hosting the forum jointly with the Uganda-based organization, Collaboration for International ICT Policy in East and Southern Africa (CIPESA). The forum is convened annually by CIPESA to deliberate on developments, challenges, opportunities and ways of improving the Internet ecosystem in Africa.  Participants also adopt strategies aimed at enhancing citizens’ digital or internet rights on the continent.

This is the first time the FIFAfrica event is being held in West Africa. Last year’s event was held in South Africa while the maiden event in 2014 and subsequent editions were held in Uganda.

The internet has become a vital tool for enhancing freedom of expression, access to information and citizens’ participation in national discourse and governance. At the same time, it is the target of hostile policies and practices by some governments. It is thus important for all stakeholders to dialogue on how to preserve the internet for development.

“The MFWA is delighted to co-host this important continental forum on Internet freedom. There couldn’t have been a better time to host this event in West Africa as the region is currently witnessing significant developments and challenges in the internet environment,” said Sulemana Braimah, Executive Director of the MFWA.

Online freedom of expression has come under attack in recent years in Africa. Over the past one year, countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania have passed laws to restrict internet freedom.  There have also been network disruptions and shutdowns in about seven African countries over the same period. Besides, there have been increasing incidents of arrest and detentions of citizens, bloggers and journalists for their social media activities.

The FIFAfrica event will also coincide with the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI), which is observed on September 28 each year. The day has been set aside by the UNESCO to mark the importance of universal public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms.

The FIFAfrica event is scheduled to take place at the La-Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, and is expected to host about 300 participants from dozens of countries in Africa and around the world.

You can learn more about the event by visiting the event website at:  https://cipesa.org/fifafrica/ or follow the #FIFAfrica18.

For further information or inquiries, kindly contact Felicia Anthonio on [email protected] or +233 206 972 867.

Citizens Voices Grow Online Despite Repressive Environment: State of Internet Freedom in Africa

Felicia Anthonio
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Citizens Voices Grow Online Despite Repressive Environment: State of Internet Freedom in Africa

Accra, Ghana, Tuesday, 26 June, 2018:  Countries across Africa continued to witness progressive deterioration in the online environment in 2017 as a result of the activities of state and non-state actors restricting the right to freedom of expression and other human rights online, according to a report released today by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX).

Although the study covered only 12 countries on the continent, the findings of the report titled: Annual Report on the State of Internet Freedom in Africa painted an unflattering picture of increased threats to Internet freedom from diverse sources in the countries studied.

However, two other major themes are also apparent from the report.  The first is the desire of citizens to have their voices heard on a broad range of governance and social issues resulting in greater expression of dissenting views, despite the daunting challenges.

Perhaps, buoyed by the need to create a counter-narrative to the harsh regulatory and policy environment, civil society actors were responsible for a marked increase across different countries in advocacy for digital rights and freedoms, with Nigerian civil society organizations providing clear leadership in this area. Their successful campaign in support of a Digital Rights and Freedom Bill, which is awaiting presidential assent, having been passed by the Nigerian National Assembly, is a key milestone.

A total of 36 incidents of attacks on digital rights recorded in 2017 in the countries studied in which online expression was criminalised through arrest and detentions, prison terms or fines. Ironically, Nigeria recorded the highest number with 13 such incidents in which online expression was criminalized under the country’s Cybercrimes Act.

Nine incidents of Internet blackout were recorded in seven countries with some countries such as Cameroon experiencing multiple shutdowns. Internet shutdowns were used especially during important events like elections, protests, terrorist attacks or national emergencies to silence dissent and critical voices as well as to curtail freedom of assembly and association rights.

Countries that experienced internet shutdowns included Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Togo and Nigeria.

Security agents, ruling and opposition politicians, media regulatory bodies and individuals were identified as the perpetrators of the majority of violations recorded. It was also observed that most of the victims of the various incidents of violations did not receive any form of redress.

Remarks critical of government officials or members of the ruling class were frequently the reason for the violations of the rights of citizens online. Often interpreted as attempts to incite the public against the ruling class, such expression of dissenting views was often greeted with high handedness from the political class.

Interestingly, individual members of the public were also found culpable in a lot of the instances of online rights abuse. Individuals initiated trolling, revenge pornography, hacking, threats and intimidation against others for exercising their rights to freedom of expression online.

For instance, although Ghana did not record incidents of government interference in online activities, individuals perpetrated a majority of the recorded violations against other individuals.

Nonetheless, the report noted that significant progress has been made in a number of countries on the continent towards safeguarding Internet rights and freedoms.

AFEX Coordinator, Ms Felicia Anthonio said: “While AFEX commends the efforts being made by some governments across the continent to ensure that citizens have access to an open, free and reliable internet environment, we reiterate that governments and stakeholders across the continent have a duty to protect and uphold citizens’ rights to access and use the Internet.”

Kindly click here  to download a full copy of the Annual Report on the State of Internet Freedom in Africa 2017.

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