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Sierra Leone Joins Global Trend: Shuts Down Internet and Mobile Services during Elections

Felicia Anthonio
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Sierra Leone Joins Global Trend: Shuts Down Internet and Mobile Services during Elections

The government of Sierra Leone has joined the trend of government-mandated Internet shutdowns during important national events such as elections. Several reports show that authorities in the country shut down the Internet and disconnected all mobile communication services after elections ended on March 31, 2018 in the presidential runoff.

According to the Open Observatory Network Interference (OONI), an internet censorship organisation, there was a noticeable decrease in Google Search traffic data on the said date.

There has not been an official communication from the government. However, an election monitoring group, Sierra Leone Decides reported on Sunday (April 1) that Internet Service Providers (ISPs) said the measure was to stop the National Electoral Commission and other bodies from sharing results on the elections with party affiliates.

Increasingly, African governments are using Internet shutdowns to stifle dissent during elections and/or protests, mostly citing the need to ensure “national security” or to prevent the spread of “false information.” Uganda, Chad, Republic of Congo, The Gambia and most recently, Somalia’s self-declared Republic, Somaliland have disconnected the Internet during elections.  On the contrary, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Angola and Liberia did not disconnect the Internet during elections.

Other countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Burundi, Chad and Togo have shut down the Internet during protests.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) condemns the worrying trend of African governments shutting down the Internet during such important national events. The United Nations Human Rights Council in June 2016 unequivocally passed a resolution denouncing countries that “intentionally disrupt citizens’ internet access.”

AFEX reiterates that the Internet is an enabler of other fundamental rights of citizens and plays a central role in promoting citizens’ participation in national discourse to enhance the democratic principles of every country. It is therefore imperative for authorities to on the continent ensure that Internet services are accessible at all times. We implore the Sierra Leonean government to uphold freedom of expression and access to information rights of citizens both online and offline. AFEX also urges ISPs to strictly respect citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and access to information online by demanding court orders or warrants before accepting to shut down the Internet.

23 Radio Stations Shut Down in Uganda for “Promoting Witchcraft”

Felicia Anthonio
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23 Radio Stations Shut Down in Uganda for “Promoting Witchcraft”

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is saddened by the decision of Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) to shut down 23 radio stations for failing to meet the Commission’s broadcast standards.

The UCC on March 27, 2018, revoked licenses of the radio stations for allegedly promoting witchcraft.

According to the Commission’s spokesperson, Pamela Ankunda, the decision to shut down the stations was taken after the media houses ignored continuous warnings by the UCC against promoting and advertising witchcraft content.

The decision is in line with Article 41 (1 a &b) of the Uganda Communications Act, 2013, which mandates the Commission to suspend and revoke operating license of media houses on the grounds of serious and repeated breach of the license conditions.

The affected radio stations are: Metro FM, Nile FM, Kagadi Broadcasting Services, Emambya FM, Village Club FM, Radio Kitara, Packwach FM and Tropical FM.

The remaining stations are Apex FM, Bamboo FM, Ssebo FM, Eastern Voice FM, Eye FM, Victoria FM, RFM, Kiira FM, Tiger FM, Greater African Radio, Dana FM, Gold FM, Hits FM and Radio 5.

Last month on February 2, 2018, the UCC summoned radio stations including, Apex FM, Dembe FM, Star FM, Metro FM among others over what is said to have been a repeated breach of minimum broadcasting standards. The radio stations were accused of carrying misleading promotions on their airwaves.

As much as AFEX supports initiatives to improve professionalism in the media; we believe that a shutdown is an extreme measure. Radio is the primary source of information among several households in Uganda. Closure of these stations will therefore mean depriving thousands of Ugandans their right to access information.

We call on the UCC to reopen the radio stations to allow them serve their communities. AFEX also call on the management of the affected stations and the regulator to collaborate to improve professional standards in the media.

AFEX Denounces Recent Attacks on Journalists in Zimbabwe

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Denounces Recent Attacks on Journalists in Zimbabwe

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins its member, MISA-Zimbabwe to denounce the recent attacks on journalists in Zimbabwe by supporters and leaders of the country’s main opposition party, Movement for Democratic Change-Tsvangirai (MDC-T).

Supporters of the party have been perpetrating attacks on journalists carrying out their duty in the country.

On March 21, 2018, two provincial leaders of the party stormed the premises of the Tellzim newspaper in Masvingo and verbally assaulted and threatened journalists and staff working with the newspaper. 

According to AFEX member, MISA-Zimbabwe, the action of Murangamwa Chanyau and Peter Chigaba, the party’s district chairperson and provincial administrator respectively, followed a story published by TellZim Newspaper on March 15, 2018. The said publication allegedly set out details of how the MDC-T in Masvingo province was planning to oust all sitting councillors. The visibly angry MDC-T officials accused the publication of being bribed by the ruling party, Zimbabwe African National Union – Patriotic Front (ZANU–PF) to fight MDC-T. Chanyau and Chigaba also alleged that the paper  supported former MDC-T legislator for Masvingo Urban, Tongai Matutu. They also threatened the paper to reveal the source of the publication.

In another worrying incident, rowdy supporters of the MDC-T reportedly stoned journalists who were covering the party’s rally on March 18, 2018 in Gweru, administrative capital of Midlands province in Zimbabwe.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is concerned that these attacks are happening a few weeks after the leader of the MDC-T, Nelson Chamisa said his party is committed to ensuring the safety and security of journalists at all times.

Chamisa made these remarks on March 8, 2018 during a meeting in Harare with MISA Zimbabwe Trustees Cris Chinaka and Davision Maruziva and National Governing Council Vice Chairperson Rutendo Mawere, where MISA Zimbabwe expressed concern about the recent harassments of journalists at the party’s headquarters.  He also assured the MISA that his party’s headquarters was opened to all journalists or individuals and urged them to feel safe and secure whenever they visit the Harvest House.

Youths of the party on March 1, 2018, harassed a senior journalist, Zvamaida Murwira working with the Herald newspaper and a freelance journalist, Anna Chibamu, during a press conference held at Harvest House to confirm Nelson Chamisa as the party’s president.

In a separate incident, family members of one Andrew Takashinga Bere who appeared for a bail hearing at the Chiredzi Magistrates Court assaulted four journalists who were covering the court proceedings. Bere is accused of defrauding the United States of America taxpayer funds amounting to USD 7 million dollars during his stay in the country.

The journalists harassed are Godfrey Mtimba a freelance journalist and Patrick Chitongo working with Flame newspaper in Chiredzi. The others are Morris Bishi, journalist working with the Mirror newspaper in Masvingo and Tawanda Mangoma working with Zimpapers office in Chiredzi. The journalists were assaulted when they attempted to take pictures of the suspect as he was led out of court.

AFEX calls upon the leadership of the MDC-T to demonstrate in practice the party’s commitment to protecting journalists’ safety and safeguarding freedom of expression rights.

AFEX joins MISA-Zimbabwe to condemn the recent attacks on journalists and the media fraternity in the country. These attacks are clearly intended to gag the media, thereby preventing it from carrying out its watchdog role. The media has a central role to play in promoting development and must therefore be allowed to work independently without any form of interference.

Additionally, as Zimbabwe goes to the polls this year (2018), AFEX urges authorities in the country to ensure that journalists and media practitioners are protected to carry out their duty in a free and safe environment. Zimbabwe’s authorities must also ensure that all attacks on journalists are investigated and the perpetrators brought to book.

 

Journalists Assaulted for Attempting to Cover Court Proceedings

Felicia Anthonio
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Journalists Assaulted for Attempting to Cover Court Proceedings

This staement was originally published on zimbawe.misa.org on March 22, 2018.

Four journalists were today assaulted outside the Chiredzi Magistrates Court at the end of Mr Andrew Takashinga Bere’s bail hearing. Bere is accused of defrauding United States of America taxpayer funds amounting to USD 7 million dollars during his stay in the country.

The four journalists harassed are Godfrey Mtimba a freelance journalist, Mr Patrick Chitongo of Chiredzi’s Flame newspaper, Mr Morris Bishi of the Masvingo Mirror, and Mr Tawanda Mangoma with Zimpapers in Chiredzi. The journalists were assaulted when they attempted to take pictures of Mr Bere as he was led out of court.

The alleged perpetrators of the assault are family members from Mr Andrew Bere’s family. The family members took offence when the journalists’ tried to use their mobile phones to take pictures of the accused. The journalists were pushed and harassed by the group of about 20 people, with Mr Patrick Chitongo getting kicked in the process. The family members also issued verbal death threats to the Chiredzi based journalists.

Members of the Zimbabwe Prison Services (‘ZPS’) who were attending to Bere also verbally threatened the journalists. The ZPS officers stated that the journalists had no right to take pictures of the accused without prior authority to do so from the State. The journalists lodged a formal report of assault at the Chiredzi Police, RRB No.3479828.

MISA Zimbabwe Position

MISA Zimbabwe reiterates its position that media freedom, freedom of expression and access to information are the cornerstones of the practice of journalism. These rights are constitutionally guaranteed and must be respected.

MISA Zimbabwe is disappointed by the actions allegedly carried out by the ZPS officers who also attempted to bar the journalists from doing their work. Court matters are of public interest, this is why they are held in open court. Members of the public are reminded to approach the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe with complaints on the content published in the media instead of assaulting or hindering journalists from doing their job.

Uphold Freedom of Expression Rights, AFEX Appeals to Ethiopian Government

Felicia Anthonio
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Uphold Freedom of Expression Rights, AFEX Appeals to Ethiopian Government

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins the International community to condemn the ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression rights in Ethiopia. AFEX calls on the government of Ethiopia to uphold freedom of expression rights of journalists, bloggers and ordinary citizens in the country.

According to a local based human rights organisation, Association for Human Rights in Ethiopia (AHRE), security agents shot and killed at least 7 protesters leaving several others wounded after protests erupted in different parts of the country, mainly the Oromia region. The protests are in response to Parliament’s approval on March 2, 2018, of the six-month state of emergency declared by Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers last month following the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister.

AFEX denounces the killing of protesters by security agents and calls on the authorities to ensure, that citizens’ lives and rights are protected at all times. We also urge security officials to exercise restraint in carrying out their duties.

Other freedom of expression related violations were also recorded in Ethiopia few days after Parliament approved the state of emergency.

Security forces on March 8, 2018, arrested Seyoum Teshome, publisher of a popular blog known as the Ethiothinktank at his residence close to the Woliso campus of Ambo University, where he lectures, according to media reports.  No reason was given for his arrest and his whereabouts remain unknown.

Teshome has been critical of the Ethiopian government after authorities declared a six-month state of emergency last month, in February 2018. According to a statement issued by state-owned Ethiopian News Agency, authorities can carry out arrests and searches without warrant and close down media stations.

This is very worrying as such draconian measures during the state of emergency will allow authorities to clamp down on dissenting voices in Ethiopia.

This is the second time security agents have arrested Teshome within the last one year. He was arrested and detained for two months in the last state of emergency that was imposed by government after the Oromia deadly protests.

In another incident reported a day earlier, William Davison, a reporter for The Guardian, who previously worked for Bloomberg, was deported on Wednesday (March 7, 2018) after being detained for a day at a police station. Authorities alleged that Davison was not affiliated to any foreign media and, therefore, cannot cover happenings within the country.

We call on the government to uphold the freedom of expression and assembly rights of journalists and citizens as guaranteed in Ethiopia’s national constitution. We urge security agents to release Teshome unconditionally and ensure that journalists and bloggers are free to carry out their duties in Ethiopia.

Zimbabwe’s Opposition Leader Commits to Journalists Safety

Felicia Anthonio
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Zimbabwe’s Opposition Leader Commits to Journalists Safety

This statement was originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on March 8, 2018.

Opposition MDC –T president Nelson Chamisa on 8 March 2018 said his party is committed to ensuring the safety and security of journalists at all times.

Chamisa said journalists or any other persons , should feel safe and secure whenever they visit Harvest House, the party ‘s  headquarters in  Harare’s central business district.

He was speaking during a meeting in Harare with MISA Zimbabwe Trustees Cris Chinaka and Davision Maruziva  and National Governing Council Vice Chairperson Rutendo Mawere, during which they expressed  concern following the recent harassment of journalists at Harvest House.

Also in attendance was the party’s presidential spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka and MISA Zimbabwe Programmes Co-ordinator Nyasha Nyakunu.

Senior Herald reporter Zvamaida Murwira and freelance journalist Anna Chibamu, were allegedly harassed by MDC-T youths on 1 March 2018 at Harvest House during a press conference to confirm Chamisa as the party’s president.

Meanwhile, Chamisa said to demonstration the party’s  commitment to the safety and security of journalists, he had since arranged for a  meeting with the two journalists in order to understand and appreciate what had happened on the day in question.

Chinaka  said the MDC-T should work on its media handling skills and also come up with a “sensitisation programme “  on the key role played by journalists.  He said this would assist in creating a safe environment for journalists  ahead the 2018 elections.

Zimbabwe: Omnibus Cyber Bill muddies Fundamental rights

Felicia Anthonio
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Zimbabwe: Omnibus Cyber Bill muddies Fundamental rights

This statement was originally published on zimbabwe.misa.org on February 23, 2018.

The proposed merging of the three cyber bills into one bill as recently announced by the responsible minister could result in the muddying and undermining of other fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

The minister said following guidance from the Attorney General’s Office, the Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Bill will now incorporate the draft Data Protection Bill and the Electronic Transactions and Electronic Commerce Bill.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Media, Information Communication Technology and Cyber Security on 8 February 2018, the minister justified the consolidation saying all three Bills work to prevent various forms of cybercrime. The decision might also have been inspired by the introduction of an omnibus Cybercrimes Bill in South Africa.

MISA-Zimbabwe therefore disagrees with the justifications cited by the Minister of ICTs and Cyber Security, Supa Mandiwanzira, to merge the three cyber bills into one omnibus bill.

An omnibus law is a Bill or Act which caters for a number of diverse issues or topics.  One such example is the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). AIPPA seeks to regulate diverse topics such as Privacy, Access to Information and Media Regulation under one Act. In the end, AIPPA just briefly touches on each of the rights it seeks to regulate.

For example, only seven sections under AIPPA are dedicated to the protection of the right to privacy. This is simply inadequate and unacceptable.

Grouping fundamental rights such as the right to privacy, access to information with consumer rights and cyber security into one piece of legislation, has the potential of undermining the protection of those rights.

MISA-Zimbabwe believes that fundamental rights such as the right to privacy must be protected by a piece of legislation dedicated solely to the protection and promotion of that right. This is why there is need for a standalone Data Protection law in Zimbabwe.

This is the case in South Africa, where the introduction of an omnibus Cybercrimes Bill complemented that country’s Protection of Personal Information Act and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act instead of absorbing or repealing them.

MISA-Zimbabwe therefore urges the Attorney-General’s Office and the Ministry of ICT and Cyber Security to reconsider doing away with the proposed standalone Data Protection Bill.

In saying this we are guided by the three Model Laws produced by SADC which cater for Data Protection, Cybersecurity, and Electronic Transactions, respectively. This was obviously well thought out to ensure each area is regulated by a dedicated in-depth piece of legislation.

Government’s decision to interpret the right to privacy, and consumers’ online rights from a cybersecurity perspective is a narrow approach that could result in restricting fundamental rights under the guise of promoting security.

This becomes of even greater concern given that the right to privacy is currently not properly provided for under AIPPA.

Privacy is a fundamental right which fosters the promotion, and protection of related rights such as the right to freedom of expression. Any laws or policies which negatively impact on the right to privacy have a negative impact on the right to freedom of expression in Zimbabwe.

It would therefore be sad for this important right to be inadequately protected under yet another omnibus law such as the proposed Cybersecurity and Cybercrimes Act at a time when there is unanimity on the inadequacies of AIPPA.

Uganda: Media Rights Group Expresses Concern over Increased Attacks on Press Freedom

Felicia Anthonio
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0

This statement was originally published on hrnjuganda.org on February 23, 2018.

Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), wishes to express concern over the continued attack on media freedom and the rights of journalists in Uganda by state agencies. We notice with dismay several actions by security personnel lately have been infringing on freedom of expression and press freedom. We wish to note that, most of these actions limiting press freedom and rights of journalists have been on the rise since the end of 2017 and have persisted in 2018 with limited preventive response from government to put a halt at this degenerating situation. The attacks and threats range from assault, denial of access to news scenes,damage of gadgets, unlawful arrest and detention and abduction.

On 22nd February 2018, police officers based at the Uganda Police Headquarters in Naguru, blocked journalists from covering the trial by the Police Court of the embattled Assistant Superintendent of Police Muhammad Kirumira and the former District Police Commander of Buyende District in Eastern Uganda.

Before the denial of coverage of the court proceedings, police officers led by Assistant Inspector of Police Abinuku assaulted and manhandled Nsimbi Posiano a News reporter attached to Bukedde Newspaper under Vision Group.

Charles Etukuri, a New Vision journalist went missing on 12th February 2018 at about 2:00pm when he was ‘abducted’ by Internal Security Operatives (ISO) at the Vision Group offices. He was detained for a week in an unknown place beyond 48 hours. He was later released on 19th February 2018 after the High Court in Kampala had issued a writ of habeas corpus. Etukuri’s arrest is suspected to be related to stories he published on Saturday 10th and 11th February 2018 about the demise of a Finnish National at the pearl of Africa Hotel in Kampala under mysterious circumstances. In the story, Etukuri highlighted about possible involvement of senior army officers the murder.

On Monday 19th February 2018, Richard Kasule a.k.a Kamagu, a prominent Top Radio journalist was arrested from the Top Radio offices immediately after hosting the morning show dubbed ‘Simbula’. Kamagu was released on 20th February 2018 with charges of offensive communication.

Early this year, on 15th January 2018, Twaha Mukiibi, an NBS journalist was beaten by police officers at Rose Gardens in Kyengera while interviewing a self-confessed gang of thieves. Mukiibi sustained body injuries and was admitted at Kampala hospital for four days.

On 12th February 2018, army officers attached to Kimaka army barracks beat up Ivan Lubega, a Jinja based journalist attached to Kiira Fm and Bukedde Tv. Lubega was covering a scuffle in Jinja that had ensued over land in Kimaka which is next to the Military barracks. He sustained severe injuries on his left hand and his camera was destroyed in the process.

It should be noted that, scores of journalists were attacked towards the end of 2017 particularly during the age limit removal debate labeled ‘togikwatako’. These include inter alia; Egena Denis (NBS TV), Otwii Isaac (Daily Monitor), Robert Kalibong(Unity FM), all from Lira District. Others include Bulegeya Ronnie of Dream TV, Kigongo Ssebalamu-Bukedde TV, Kyambadde Lawrence of Salt Media.

The period did not also spare the eight Red Pepper Directors and Editors who were arrested and detained at the notorious Nalufenya police facility on 21st November 2017. This was after the paper had published a story titled “Museveni planning to overthrow Kagame” that was presumed to be prejudicial to national security. Five directors and three editors were arrested and detained at the notorious Nalufenya police station for a week. They are Tumusiime Richard, Arinaitwe Rugyendo, James Mujuni, Johnson Musinguzi and Richard Kintu, Byarabaha Ben, Tumusiime Francis, directors and editors respectively. On 27th December they were brought to Buganda Road Magistrates Court where they were charged with criminal libel and offensive communication among other charges. They were granted bail on 19th December 2017.

As a media rights body whose core mandate is to promote and defend the rights of journalists, media freedoms, freedom of expression, HRNJ-Uganda regrettably notes that the continued acts of meting violence against journalists, unlawful arrests and detention curtail freedom of expression and media rights which are fundamental human rights guaranteed under Article 29 of the 1995 Constitution and recognized under other regional and International Human Rights Instruments that Uganda is party to.

In view of the above, HRNJ-Uganda recommends that;

  1. The police should investigate as a matter of urgency the cases that are before them to ensure that justice prevails.
  2. The judiciary should expeditiously handle matters involving journalists so as to ensure that justice is delivered timely.
  3. The state should reign in on errant public officers that have turned it a habit to infringe media freedoms and bring them to book
  4. The state at all times must respect, promote and uphold people’s rights especially freedom of expression and press freedom
  5. UPF and UPDF to work towards restoring confidence among journalists by ensuring their safety and security rather than traumatizing/ attacking them.

We urge the members of the media fraternity to be professional in their work, vigilant and work together in ensuring their safety and security.

Download PDF version of the statement                            here: https://goo.gl/6ocJBP

Pervasive Culture of Impunity in Africa: 95% of Freedom of Expression Violations Left Unpunished

Felicia Anthonio
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Pervasive Culture of Impunity in Africa: 95% of Freedom of Expression Violations Left Unpunished

Over 95% Freedom of Expression (FOE) violations recorded in 19 countries in Africa have been left unaddressed by authorities in Africa according, to the FOE Situation in Africa Report for 2017 produced by the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX).

From July to December 2017, the report recorded a total of 98 FOE-related violations with nine (9) incidents of killings. While only 5% of the total violations have been redressed, no arrest or redress has been recorded for all incidents of killings – which remain the grievous type of violation recorded. Sadly, the incidents of killings claimed which claimed 30 lives protesters in Cameroon (12) DRC (7), Togo (6) Nigeria (3), Somalia (1) and South Sudan (1).

Security agents were responsible for 65 of the violations recorded while State officials and individuals were responsible for 14 and 12 violations respectively.

Altogether, 103 victims were directly affected by the 98 violations. Nearly 90% (92 of the 103) victims were journalists and media workers, activists and ordinary citizens. The remaining violations targeted media organisations.

AFEX is deeply concerned about the increasing level of impunity for crimes against journalists, human rights defenders and citizens as this remains one of the major challenges affecting the enjoyment of freedom of expression rights in Africa. We urge state and non-state actors to urgently adopt concrete measures to ensure that perpetrators of FOE violations are punished according to the law.

Kindly click here to access the full AFEX FOE Situation in Africa Report for July-December 2017

AFEX Condemns Assault on Journalists in Juba

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Condemns Assault on Journalists in Juba

On February 6, 2018, two journalists were attacked by angry protesters while covering anti-US demonstrations in Juba, capital of South Sudan.

According to media reports, a group of demonstrators on Tuesday, February 6, severly beat up a foreign female journalist, Sam Mednick, working with AP new agency while she was covering the demonstrations. The journalist was reportedly injured on her arms, neck and face.  The police later intervened to rescue Mednick from her assailants.

The demonstrators were protesting against a recent US decision to ban the sale of arms to South Sudan which has been in the grip of violence since independence.

In the same incident, one demonstrator slapped Julius Gale, a local journalist working with Juba-based radio Bakhita who was also covering the demonstrations.

AFEX member, the Association for Media Development in South Sudan (AMDISS), condemned the attack on journalists on Twitter and urged the authorities to ensure utmost protection of during protests.

“Very unfortunate that some journalists were beaten or intimidated by the demonstrators during yesterday’s demo in Juba, South Sudan.  Journalists need to be given protection especially during such event if they must do their job well,” the Tweet read.

AFEX joins AMDISS to denounce the attacks on the journalists and call on the police to ensure that journalists are given utmost protection during such events.

Meanwhile, AFEX commends the police for their intervention to save the attacked journalist. We also urge the police to punish citizens who take the law into their own hands to harass or prevent journalists from doing their jobs.

 

African Internet Governance Stakeholders Urge Governments to Put Premium on Digital Rights of Citizens

Felicia Anthonio
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African Internet Governance Stakeholders Urge Governments to Put Premium on Digital Rights of Citizens

The membership of the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and other African internet governance stakeholders attending the Sixth African Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF) has called for the prioritisation of digital rights of all citizens across the continent.

This call was made at the launch of AFEX’s Internet Freedom in Africa 2017 Report held in a parallel session in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt on December 4, 2017.

Panelists from left, Ms Koliwe Majama, (MISA Zimbabwe), Ms Felicia Anthonio, (AFEX) and Dr Chango Mawaki (DigiLexis Consulting) discuss findings of the Internet Freedom in Africa Report 2017

The report highlights trends across eight countries in Africa and notes challenges on important issues that include access, incidents of network shutdowns, high cost of data, repressive or lack of regulation in the Internet landscape in Africa. These countries include Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

Participants endorsed recommendations in the report directed at governments, service providers, civil society, the judiciary and internet users towards promoting an improved Internet environment for citizens in Africa. These include among others the following:

African Governments should:

  • Amend and repeal laws that are inimical to freedom of expression both offline and online.
  • Adopt Internet laws/policies that are progressive and rights-respecting to guarantee online freedom, safety and security of all citizens.
  • Refrain from coercing service providers to monitor, filter, block and/or shut down the internet and other communications networks.

Service Providers should:

  • Resist/defy unjustified orders from governments to shut down the Internet.

 

  • Endeavour to invest more in the ICTs sector and expand services across the respective countries they operate in to help bridge the rural-urban digital gap.

 

  • Insist and demand court orders or warrants before disclosing user information or communications or taking down content.
  • Proactively engage CSOs and join in advocacy against governments’ abuse of users’ rights such as network shutdowns.

Civil Society (including academia and media) should:

  • Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of the ICTs sectors in their respective countries to highlight developments (positive and negative) for proactive and timely interventions to be rolled out.

 

  • Proactively engage governments, service providers and other stakeholders to ensure that rights-respecting issues are factored into formulation of policy and other interventions.

 

  • Vigorously advocate for the repeal of penal codes and sections of legislation that criminalise speech as well as advocate for the withdrawal and/or review of Bills which have repressive provisions.

 

  • Educate, sensitise and build capacity of citizens on their rights, responsible use of the internet, online safety and other internet-related issues.

The Judiciary should:

  • Consider the supreme interest of the public in countries where court orders are required for governments to shut down the internet.

 

  • Protect the rights of citizens at all times.

Internet Users should:

  • Use the internet responsibly and respect the rights of other internet users at all times.

 

  • Actively participate in rights-based campaigns and speak out against threats to internet freedoms.

Click to download full report in both French and English.

Participants

Abubakar Karsan, Union of Tanzania Press Clubs

Dr Chango Mawaki, DigiLexis Consulting

Xianhong Hu, UNESCO

Jean Paul Nkurunziza, ISOC, Burundi

Justin Essiane, ANTIC, Cameroon

Babiker Elturabi, MCIT, Sudan

Tusi Fokane, FXI, South Africa

Ephraim Percy Kenyanito, ARTICLE 19 East Africa, Kenya

Atem Arrey Mbi Emmanuel, ANTIC, Cameroon

Gael Hernandez, PCH, Ireland

Tawanda Maguze, ISOC, Zimbabwe

Nishal Goburdhan, Packet Clearing House, Ireland

Mahen Busgopaul, Mauritius IGF

Nardine Alnemr, British University in Egypt

Koliwe Majama, MISA Zimbabwe

Felicia Anthonio, Media Foundation for West Africa

Uphold Freedom of Expression Rights of Citizens – AFEX to Government of DRC

Felicia Anthonio
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Uphold Freedom of Expression Rights of Citizens – AFEX to Government of DRC

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) bemoans the crackdown on freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of assembly rights of citizens by the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and urges authorities to uphold such rights.

According to the media reports, security forces on December 31, 2017 shot and killed at least seven protesters while several others were arrested during anti-government demonstrations in the capital, Kinshasa after activists of the Catholic Church defied a police ban and held demonstrations against President Joseph Kabila’s refusal to step down from office since his presidential term ended in December 2016.

The Congolese government has also authorised a complete nationwide Internet shutdown and disruption of SMS services a day before the protests (December 30) citing ‘security reasons’.

AFEX calls on the Congolese government to refrain from violating the fundamental rights of citizens which are  enshrined in the country’s Constitution and in other international frameworks to which DRC is signatory.

The use of excessive force by security agents against protesters and the resort to Internet blockage to quell protests in the central African country in the last two years is on the increase.

On September 19, 2016, security forces shot and killed about 50 protesters including three police officers during deadly demonstrations in capital city Kinshasa and other cities in DRC. Four months later in December 19, 2016 – the eve of the day President Kabila was supposed to step down, the government shut down social media platforms including Facebook Internet across the country.

As protests calling on President Kabila to step down intensified, the government banned all opposition demonstrations in April 2017. Several citizens have since been arrested in DRC in connection with the agitation for President Kabila to resign.

Elections which were scheduled to take place in 2016 have been postponed on two occasions leading to widespread dissatisfaction and increased demand for President Kabila to vacate.

AFEX strongly condemns the Congolese security agents for using lethal force against demonstrators resulting in the reported deaths of citizens. We call on the government as a matter of urgency to find a lasting solution to the political stalemate in the country and to take steps to protect the fundamental human rights of its citizens including the safeguarding of their safety and security.

We also denounce the increasing use of Internet shutdowns by African governments to stifle expression and repress protests in contravention of provisions of national, regional and international frameworks. AFEX urges the Congolese government to restore the Internet to enable citizens’ exercise their right to freedom of expression and access to information.

 

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AFEX is a continental network of some of the most prominent African freedom of expression and media rights advocacy organisations that are also members of IFEX, a global free expression network.

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