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Essential Freedoms, Essential Work

Felicia Anthonio
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Essential Freedoms, Essential Work

This statement was originally published on ifex.org on April 28, 2017.

3 May is World Press Freedom Day. As IFEX enters its 25th year as a global network defending the right to freedom of expression and information, Annie Game speaks to what is new – and what remains a constant – when it comes to defending freedom of the press.

Is press freedom an out-dated idea? Given 2017’s post-truth, print-is-dead, traditional-media-aren’t-viable, facts-are-negotiable environment, what is it, exactly, that we are defending now? Is the fight still worth it? Is victory possible?

IFEX was founded in 1992, with press freedom at the core of our mission. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 3 May World Press Freedom Day less than a year later. At that time, the online environment was in its infancy, and press freedom seemed a clear goal, with obvious markers of success and challenge.

Since then, IFEX and its more than 100 member organisations around the globe have strategised and networked to tackle a diverse and expanding range of free expression issues: press freedom as well as privacy, digital security, the right to assembly, access to information, freedom of artistic expression and more.

Is press freedom still relevant? Clearly, those who oppose justice and accountability understand its importance; otherwise they would not continue to viciously and unrelentingly attack journalists and human rights activists who seek to bring the truth to light. While today’s media landscape is fragmented, a free press is more essential than ever, in uncovering abuses of power, in defending human rights, in shining light into corners governments, corporations and non-state actors might prefer that citizens not see.

Is victory possible? It is a common human tendency to believe that our current circumstances are uniquely difficult, that 2017’s challenges are uniquely complex. It’s the kind of thinking that can quickly lead to despair, because it suggests that the solutions and strategies that will help us prevail are without precedent, that we must create them anew.

Nevertheless, while new ideas, new understanding and new tactics must be developed, some things are constants: we know that mutual support, amplification of each other’s messages and tireless defense of our most marginalized and most targeted communities is at the heart of the work that we do in defending freedom of expression – the work that we must continue to do. It is work that requires resistance and resilience, skills that IFEX members have developed and used to power their efforts every day, every year, often under difficult circumstances.

We’ve learned a lot in IFEX’s two and a half decades, most notably that press freedom isn’t a single attainable goal. It is part of a web of interconnected rights and responsibilities that must be nurtured, developed, defended and expanded. But a free press is an essential thread in that web. And that’s why on World Press Freedom Day, it is important not only to recognise those who have sacrificed greatly to defend our right to press freedom, it is essential to recommit ourselves to the fight – and to each other.

You can read more about World Press Freedom Day at UNESCO.org.

AFEX Welcomes Restoration of Internet Access in Cameroon, Urges Government to Release all Arbitrarily Detained

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Welcomes Restoration of Internet Access in Cameroon, Urges Government to Release all Arbitrarily Detained

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) welcomes the restoration of internet connectivity in the North-west and South-west regions of Cameroon after 94 days of network shutdown.

The Ministry of Post and Telecommunications, on April 20, 2017 under the orders of  the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, restored internet connection to the people of the two regions after three months of network disruption.

The government of Cameroon shutdown internet access in the two regions following protests against the government’s imposition of the use of French language in the two predominantly Anglophone regions.

 Since protests erupted in November 2016, freedom of expression and human rights have been repressed by the Cameroonian government, four protesters have been killed and several others have been arbitrarily arrested and detained.

While welcoming the restoration of internet access in the two regions, AFEX also calls on the Cameroonian government to commit to promoting and protecting digital rights as network disruptions adversely affect people socially, psychologically, economically, educationally and politically. For instance, the 94 days of internet shutdown has deprived about 7 million citizens access to information and has resulted in the loss of about U.S. $ 4.5 million in a country with a per capita income of about $1,200.

The restoration of internet access should be the first step towards redressing all outstanding human rights violations in the two regions. AFEX therefore calls on the Cameroonian government to release all those who have been arrested and detained in connection with the protests and resort to dialogue.

AFEX takes this opportunity to commend all local, regional and international bodies and organisations, for being steadfast and actively engaged in the campaign for internet restoration in Anglophone Cameroon. The solidarity with the Cameroonian people and commitment towards campaigning against any form of network disruption is laudable and must be sustained.

AFEX Condemns Gruesome Killing of Journalist by Unknown Assailants in Nigeria

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Condemns Gruesome Killing of Journalist by Unknown Assailants in Nigeria

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins its member, the International Press Centre (IPC), based in Lagos-Nigeria to strongly denounce the gruesome murder of Famous Giobaro, a journalist working with Glory FM, Bayelsa State-owned radio station.

According to IPC, unidentified gunmen shot and killed Giobaro on April 16, 2017 at his residence in Yenagoa, a local government area in the Bayelsa State in Nigeria.

Giobaro, who worked as a Desk Editor in the station, was reportedly shot several times in the stomach. The gunmen left without stealing anything. According to reports, the gunmen gained access into Giobaro’s house with the help of a ladder after cutting the barbwires.

In a statement issued by IPC, the Director, Lanre Arogundade, said that the killing of the journalist brings to fore serious concerns for the safety of journalists in Nigeria.

“We are calling on the Bayelsa State Government to show commitments and investigate the alleged assassination of Journalist Giobaro who is a staff of the state government. This is one incident that should not be allowed to lie low and we also call on the Inspector General of Police to investigate the matter with a sense of urgency,” Arogundade stated.

No reason was given for the murder of the journalist at the time of issuing this statement.

AFEX backs IPC’s call and sends forth its profound condolences to the bereaved family and friends left behind.

We are appalled by the brutal killing of Famous Giobaro and we urge authorities of Nigeria’s police service to investigate expeditiously into this matter and ensure that the perpetrators of this gruesome act are apprehended and brought to book.

AFEX appeals to the government of Nigeria to put in place measures to ensure that violators of freedom of expression rights are punished to serve as deterrent to others. Journalists and media professionals working in the country must be free to carry out their work in a safe environment.

AFEX Petitions AU Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to Intervene in Cameroon Crisis

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Petitions AU Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression to Intervene in Cameroon Crisis

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), on April 13, 2017 petitioned the African Union (AU) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, Ms. Faith Pansy Tlakula, to intervene in the deteriorating freedom of expression and human rights situation in the two Anglophone regions of Cameroon.

Since January 17, 2017, the people of North-west and South-west regions of Cameroon have been denied internet access by the Cameroonian government. On the same day, the government also banned activities of the Cameroon Anglophone Civil Society Consortium (CACSC), a group of eminent citizens from the Anglophone regions set up to dialogue with the government on the ongoing protests in the country. Additionally, police arrested two leaders of the CACSC, Dr. Nkongho Felix Agbor-Balla, president of CACSC and Dr. Fontem A. Neba, Secretary General of CACSC.

Over the past six months, relations between the Cameroonian government and residents of the two Anglophone regions have deteriorated following the decision of the government to impose the use of French language in schools and courts of North-west and South-west Cameroon.

Despite several calls from the local and international community, the Paul Biya government has repeatedly refused to restore internet access and release all those arrested in connection with the protests.

The AFEX network has therefore called on the AU Special Rapporteur to put pressure on President Paul Biya to heed the numerous calls by the international community and ensure that the fundamental rights to freedom of expression, access to information and freedom of assembly of citizens are respected and protected.

The preamble of Cameroon’s National Constitution explicitly commits the government to respect regional and international frameworks which provide for the enjoyment of freedom of expression and human rights. The constitution specifically subscribes to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Charter, all of which guarantee the right to freedom of expression and access to information.

You can access the Full Petition addressed to the AU Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information here.

 

AFEX Denounces Two-Year Jail Sentence of Independent Journalist in Somaliland

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Denounces Two-Year Jail Sentence of Independent Journalist in Somaliland

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins its member, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) to strongly condemn the sentencing of independent journalist, Abdimalik Muse Oldon to two years in prison by the Marodi Jeeh Regional Court in Somaliland’s capital Hargeisa.

According to NUSOJ, the journalist was charged on three counts of “anti-national activity of a citizen abroad,” under Article 212, “publication or circulation of false, exaggerated or tendentious news capable of disturbing public order” under article 328 and “offending the honour or prestige of the head of state” under Article 220 of Somalia’s old penal code of 1960.

On April 8, 2017, the presiding judge, Ahmed Dalmar Ismail, found Oldon guilty of breaching articles 212 and 328 of penal code while clearing him of the government’s allegations under article 220 of the penal code. Oldon was subsequently sentenced to two years in prison.

Condemning the sentence meted out to Oldon, the Secretary General of NUSOJ, Omar Faruk Osman described the two-year jail sentence as “a brutal and outrageous decision, and a flagrant violation of free expression”.

“We condemn this harsh and unacceptable sentence which takes media repression in Somaliland to record levels. We shall support our colleagues in Somaliland and Abdilmalik Musse Oldon in their efforts to have this verdict overturned,” Osman said.

Oldon was first arrested on February 15, 2017 upon arrival at the Hargeisa Airport from Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital. He was accused of allegedly making comments against Somaliland president while expressing support for the president of Somalia, Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmaajo on social media.

According to NUSOJ, the sole evidence that Somaliland prosecutors presented to the court was a videotape in which Oldon is seen speaking sympathetically about President Farmaajo. He however did not make any comment about Somaliland, contrary to the charges leveled against him.

The sentence comes a few days after the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) expressed concern about the safety of journalists in Somalia.

We condemn the penalisation of Oldon and call on the Somaliland judiciary to overturn the sentence, resist to be used for curtailment of freedom of expression and allow the journalist to enjoy his fundamental rights to freedom of expression. No journalist deserves to go behind bars for expressing himself said AFEX.

AFEX urges authorities in Somalia to decriminilise speech offences, both offline and online as well as ensure maximum protection for journalists.

 

Fighting Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in Uganda: A Glimpse of Hope

Felicia Anthonio
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Fighting Impunity for Crimes against Journalists in Uganda: A Glimpse of Hope

A number of freedom of expression violators have recently been prosecuted for abusing journalists and media professionals carrying out their legitimate duty in Uganda.

The freedom of expression environment in Uganda deteriorated sharply in 2016 which was also an election year. Incidents of physical attacks, internet shutdown, denial of journalists to access news scenes, office break-ins, damage of journalists’ gadgets among others were the major types of violations recorded in 2016. The major perpetrators were security forces, ruling party supporters, politicians, unidentified armed men, individuals and organised groups. Several human rights organisations including the African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) expressed concern about the deteriorating human rights situation in the country and urged President Yoweri Museveni to intervene.

The year 2017 looks hopeful as justice is finally being served for some of the numerous violations perpetrated against journalists and media professionals in the country in 2015 and 2016.

On March 29, 2017, supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party were sentenced to a fine of three million shillings (US $845) each on three counts of assault. They are also to render a community service at the Court premises for two hours daily for a period of 30 days for the offence of malicious damage to property. Failure to pay or do the community service will amount to each of the convicts serving a jail term of six and four months respectively.

Delivering the judgement, the presiding judge, Mastula Mulondo, said “the complainants were just doing their work as journalists and them being stopped, beaten was willful and unlawful, therefore the accused persons are convicted as charged.”

She also lamented the rise in acts of violations against journalists and asked for an equally robust response from the judiciary.

“Offences of this nature are on the rise, it is the judicial system that can correct this behavior,” she said.

The case dates back to March 4, 2016 when the convicted youth assaulted and damaged the property of Kigongo Ssebalamu and Ssempijja Godfrey both working with the Vision Group and Kakooza George William working with Central Broad Casting Services (CBS). The journalists had gone to cover local Elections of the Entebbe Council Elections at Entebbe Municipal Council offices.

On March 15, 2017 a business woman who had assaulted a journalist in 2015 was also convicted to one year in prison by the Magistrates’ Court at Kayunga district in Central Uganda. On June 4, 2015, the business woman, Naluwa Rose beat up a journalist working with Sauti FM, Mukiibi Sula while covering a suspected land dispute at Kyampisi village. Sula who sustained injuries on the back and the neck, reported the matter to Bukoloto police station which subsequently arrested Naluwa Rose on 25 February 2016.

Similarly, on Friday March 10, 2017, a Grade One Magistrate of Buganda Road Court, Kamasanyu Gladys, sentenced a senior police officer, the former Division Police Commander (DPC) of Old Kampala, Joram Mwesigye, for physically assaulting Andrew Lwanga, who used to work with WBS Television in January 2015. Mwesigye was condemned to a fine of one million Ugandan shillings (USD 282), and five million Ugandan shillings (USD 1,409) compensation to the assaulted journalist which he has to pay within 30 days. Failure to pay the money within the said timeframe was to attract a one-year jail term. The judgement has, however, not been well received by the media fraternity especially as Andrew Lwanga, remains unemployed and is still undergoing treatment. Andrew who was assaulted now walks with the help of clutches.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) acknowledges the intervention of the judiciary in Uganda to bring violators of freedom of expression rights in the country to book. However, we urge the court to expedite the judicial procedures to ensure that sentences are not dragged. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Uganda: Unidentified Persons Break into Office of The Observer Newspaper

Felicia Anthonio
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0

Kampala, 03rd/April/2017;

This statement was originally published on hrnjuganda.org on April 3, 2017.

On Saturday morning, the 01st April, 2017, it was discovered that unidentified persons had broken into the offices of The Observer newspaper and stolen property including computers and other electronic gadgets worth Uganda Shillings 100 million (USD28,011) in a move that has been described as ‘very sophiscated’.

The attackers at The Observer Newspaper offices located on Tagore 1 Crescent, Kamwokya, a suburb of the Capital Kampala, also dismantled the CCTV surveillance system and made off with the company’s servers, making it impossible for the company to review what transpired during the night intrusion.

The office raid was first discovered by the outgoing Editor, Richard Kavuma who had come in early (at about 6.45am) only to find the office’s main gate widely open.

It remains unclear as to what happened to the guard on duty at the time, Isaac Chebet of KPI security firm, whose gun and uniform were found abandoned at the office premises. According to KPI security officials, Chebet’s known mobile phone number has remained off since the break-in. Sources at The Observer said that Chebet had just started manning the security of the offices.

The Managing Director of The Observer, James Tumusiime told a team of members from Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda), Human Rights Network (HURINET) and the National Coalition of Human Rights Defenders, who visited him at the Observer offices for solidarity, that the break-in was very sophiscated and that there is evidently an intention to cause more harm than just stealing.

“This particular attack appeared more sophiscated beyond the ability of an ordinary guard, like uprooting the entire CCTV system; why would a simple thief care about the server? We fear that there could be a conspiracy to cause harm beyond just stealing.” Tumusiime told the activists

James Tumusiime(left) talking to human rights activists.

               James Tumusiime (left) talking to human rights activists.

“They gained access through the main gate, then cut the burglar proofing in the back window before they entered the different rooms at the top floor. They knew the geography of the place very well. This time, they carried away a lot of things they had overlooked last time, which has left us more scared and wondering why.” Tumusiime told HRNJ-Uganda.

Tumusiime said that since the October 2016 break-in, the police has never update them on the progress of the investigations. However, the security guard on duty then who had disappeared was arrested and taken to court at KCCA from where the trail is going on.

Over 30 human rights organisations and media houses have been broken into, and in some cases, the security guards killed by the intruders, but the police has not been keen to release the investigation reports or make arrests. HRNJ-Uganda suffered break-ins in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

“The state of affairs for the media and civil society human rights organisations is very scary. The police should work to investigate these reported incidents and make public the investigation reports as well as trying the perpetrators.” Said the HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala

AFEX Expresses Concern about Safety of Journalists in Somalia

Felicia Anthonio
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AFEX Expresses Concern about Safety of Journalists in Somalia

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins its member, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) in expressing deep concern over the continuing harassment of journalists in Somalia by security agents, unidentified non-State actors and government officials.

A total of eleven journalists and one media orgnanisation have been attacked in Somalia in six incidents of violations recorded from January 25 to April 1, 2017, according to the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ). The attacks included five incidents of physical assault, some of them fatal, and one incident of censorship.

Eight journalists were severely wounded in Somalia during separate incidents of bomb explosions recorded in January and March 2017. In the first incident, seven journalists were severely injured in two separate incidents of bomb explosions on January 25, 2017, which also resulted in the killing of several citizens with many others injured. The wounded journalists were covering a terror attack on a hotel located in the city center of Mogadishu.

In the second incident, Abdihamid Mohamed Osman, a Somali cameraman and video editor with London-based private station, Universal TV, was seriously wounded on March 12, 2017 when a bomb attached to his car exploded in Mogadishu’s Hamar-weyne district. Osman was on his way to work when the incident occurred. Both incidents were perpetrated by unidentified persons.

Other violations included two incidents of physical assault, one incident of censorship and kidnap each;

February 5, 2017, about 30 armed police officers in Puntland, a region in northeastern Somalia raided the premises of Radio Voice of Peace. The police forcefully pulled the director of the station, Ahmed Mohamed Ali, popularly known as Aano Geel, out of his office, and started beating him up with guns and batons. Ali sustained injuries in the neck, shoulders, lower back and chest and was admitted to the hospital. Another journalist working with the station, Rabile Abdikarim Mohamud, was threatened when he tried to intervene. No reason was given for the attack.

Exactly a month after, 0n March 5, 2017, authorities at the Ministry of Information in Puntland Regional State of Somalia, barred Universal TV, a private TV station from covering events in regions controlled by Puntland authorities. The Ministry accused the TV station of “creating conflict between people and the government (Puntland), destabilising regional security, spreading of false news and broadcasting news in contradiction of journalism ethics”. Puntland did not specify the period for which the private television network is barred to operate in its regions.

On March 19, 2017, Mahad Mohamed Abdurahman, a journalist working with Radio Shabelle, was wounded during clashes between two government forces in Tarbunka neighbourhood of Hodan district. Abdurahman, nicknamed Mutawakil, sustained injuries on the left hand and at the back. While wounded, Mahad Mohamed Abdurahman was assigned to conduct an interview with Hodan district commissioner Mr. Ahmed Salad Ibrahim and internally displaced people (IDP) living in Tarbunka over disputed opening of roads.

Again on April 1, 2017, unidentified gunmen kidnaped journalist, Hanad Ali Guled, working with privately owned Goobjoog Television of Goobjoog Media Group. Guled was driven to an unknown location where he was reportedly detained in a small room. Guled was found the following day, in the outskirts of Mogadishu, handcuffed and reportedly beating. The purpose for which Guled was kidnapped is unclear, but colleagues working with him stated that he has been receiving threats via telephone over his involvement in a drought relief programme, Media for Aid.

The above violations are part of a pattern of attacks that journalists in Somalia have had to endure over the years as Somalia has been described as one of the most dangerous places to practice journalism in Africa. Journalists who forge on despite these challenges also risk being harassed by security forces in the country.

AFEX urges the new Somali Government to intervene in order to end forthwith the egregious practices and decisions of security forces and government officials that are designed to curtail the freedom of journalists and the wider freedom of expression community, and allow them to enjoy their fundamental rights.

Perpetrators of acts of violations against journalists and media professionals must be held accountable, says AFEX, while stressing that impunity for crimes against journalists make a mockery of the important role the media and journalists play in society.

 

Police Attacks Journalists Covering Foiled Opposition meeting

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on hrnjuganda.org on March 31, 2017.

Two journalists, Siraji Kiberu of Kingdom Television and Dodoviko Mukasa of Central Broadcasting Services (CBS) radio have been assaulted by the police on Friday 31st March 2017. The journalists were covering the arrest of an opposition Member of Parliament for Mukono Municipality, Betty Nambooze Bakireke. Another journalist Henry Kasomoko of Bukedde paper had his camera destroyed during the fracas.

Nambooze is the Opposition Democratic Party Vice President in charge of the Central region. The police arrested her together with other supporters as they tried to make their way into Nsambya Sharing Hall where they had scheduled to hold a party consultative meeting. They were taken to Kiira Road police station.

Journalists followed on commercial motorcycles (boda bodas) upto Kiira Road police station where Namboze had been taken. While there, a scuffle ensued between the police and Nambooze’s supporters who were resisting her continued detention.

Police were uneasy with the journalists covering the scuffle, so they turned their wrath on them. Henry Kikomeko told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda that, “there was a fracas, police did not want journalists to cover the scuffle, as I was pulling out my camera, the police officer who was standing next to me hit my camera and smashed it, I reported the matter to Kiira Road Police station.”

Kiberu was badly beaten. He told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda that, “I was standing at the reception only to be beaten by a police officer, he boxed me in the stomach and I fell down, I stood up immediately and got out but he followed me up and continued beating me up.” the hurting victim journalist said.

The Kampala Metropolitan police spokesperson, Emilian Kayima, feigned ignorance of the attack when contacted. “…nobody should beat journalists, why should they beat them, who are those who were beaten, let them make a formal complaint at police and we shall deal with those who beat them in accordance with the law.” Emilian told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda.

Police has continued to be the lead perpetrators of violence against journalists in Uganda for the last six years according to different local and international human rights reports, but little is done by the authorities to reprimand the implicated errant officers

‘We highly condemn the continued actions by the Uganda Police Force of assaulting journalists in the course of their duties. Such actions violate the journalists’ constitutionally guaranteed right of practicing their profession. We will follow this matter and ensure that justice prevails.” Said the HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala

Ruling Party Youth Convicted of Assaulting Journalists in Uganda

Felicia Anthonio
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0

This statement was originally published on hrnjuganda.org on March 29, 2017.

Five youth supporters of the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party have been found guilty of assaulting three Entebbe-based journalists thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm and maliciously damaging their property contrary to sections 335 and 236 of the Penal Code Act respectively.

“The accused persons had the intention of stopping journalists from covering the events (elections). The complainants were just doing their work as journalists and them being stopped, beaten was willful and unlawful, therefore the accused persons are convicted as charged” said Mastula Mulondo

She added, “Offences of this nature are on the rise, it is the judicial system that can correct this behavior.” She sentenced the five to a fine of three million shillings (USD 845) each on all the three counts of assault and a community service at the Court premises for two hours daily for a period of 30days for the offence of malicious damage to property. Failure to pay or do the community service, each of the convicts will serve a jail term of six and four months respectively. .

Prosecution led by Christopher Muganzi, adduced evidence that on 4th March 2016, the convicted persons while at Entebbe Municipal Council offices, assaulted and damaged property of Kigongo Ssebalamu, Ssempijja Godfrey both of Vision Group and Kakooza George William of Central Broad Casting Services (CBS). The journalists were covering the Entebbe Local Council Elections.

HRNJ-Uganda’ Legal Officer Kenneth Ntende, who watched brief welcomed the judgment and commended court for coming out to defend the media and freedom of expression. HRNJ-Uganda’ National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala described the judgement as another milestone in defence of media freedom and the rights of journalists in the country

The journalists Kakooza, Sesebalamu and Ssempijja were all happy with the judgement and said that justice had been delivered to them.

The maiden hearing of this case on the 8th of August 2016 was characterized by further attacks on media personnel. After the hearing of the bail application in which the five accused persons were remanded to Kigo prison, in Wakiso District for failing to fulfill the bail conditions, their fellow party members attacked the journalists and others as a way to stop them from covering the accused’s transfer to the prison bus enroute to Kigo prison. It took the intervention of a prison’s warden who fired in the air to disperse the rowdy NRM supporters in a scuffle that almost lasted over half an hour. The HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala was injured in the process.

President Magufuli of Tanzania Orders Release of Renowned Rapper

Felicia Anthonio
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President Magufuli of Tanzania Orders Release of Renowned Rapper

The Tanzanian President, John Magufuli, has ordered the release of a renowned rapper who was arrested by the police for reportedly critcising the Tanzanian Government in his song.

The rapper, Emmanuel Elibariki, who bears the stage name,   “Nay wa Mitego,” was arrested on March 27, 2017, following the release of his satirical song  “Wapo” the previous week.

Elibariki, who is known for his repertoire of political songs, announced his arrest on his Instagram page shortly after his arrest.

“It is true that I have been arrested. I am currently being taken away to the police station in Mvomero. I love you all Tanzanians,” the message read.

According to the commander of police of the area, the rapper reportedly used lyrics discrediting President John Magufuli’s government..

“Who do you think you are now? That you don’t want to be advised? That you don’t want to be criticised?” the lyrics read.

Prior to his arrest, the National Arts Council of Tanzania (BASATA) barred the song from being played on air.

However, President Magufuli ordered the immediate release of the rapper on the same day, and instructed that his song continues to be played on all radio and television stations in the country.

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) condemns the arrest of the rapper by the police as well as the censoring of his song by the National Arts Council. Freedom of expression is enshrined in the Tanzanian Constitution and must therefore be protected.

We welcome the President’s decision to release the rapper and to lift the ban on his song. AFEX recognises this as a step towards the enjoyment of freedom of expression rights in the country. We call on President Magufuli, to extend the same good will to other victims of freedom of expression violations in Tanzania.

Burkina Faso: Fans, Police, Attack Sports Journalists

Felicia Anthonio
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This statement was originally published on mfwa.org on March 24, 2017

On March 18, 2017, Algerian journalists who had travelled to Burkina Faso to cover a CAF Champions League match between Racing Club Kadiogo (RCK) of Burkina Faso and Union Sportive Medinat d’Alger (USMA) of Algeria, were subjected to intimidation and physical assault before and after the match.

The police had a tough time battling supporters of the home team who had converged at the main entrance of the 4th August Stadium in Ouagadougou to prevent the Algerian press corps from entering. The supporters said their action was in retaliation for the refusal of the Algerian Embassy to grant visas to all eight Burkinabe journalists who wanted to travel to Algiers to cover the first leg match the week before.

The troubles of the Algerian press continued inside the stadium as they were denied access to the press box by some angry fans of RCK.

The ordeal of the Algerians worsened at the end of the match when angry fans of RCK, alleging biased officiating, descended on the pitch to attack the Nigerien referees, together with officials and players of USMA as well as the Algerian journalists who had by then entered the pitch to conduct post-match interviews.

Meanwhile, some Burkinabe journalists who had also entered the arena to report on the riots were also assaulted by security officers who had intervened to end the chaos. The security officers were reportedly indiscriminate in beating back the locals and some journalists fell victim. A Police officer even threw tears gas into the press box, forcing the journalists there to run to safety. Some of the media professionals were injured in the ensuing melee.

In a statement issued on March 21, 2017, the sports journalists union in Burkina Faso, Association des Journalistes Sportifs du Burkina (AJSB), condemned what they termed “the brutal aggression inflicted by the police on sports journalists performing their duty and the throwing of tear gas into the press box.”

The MFWA finds the attacks on journalists by the police regrettable and also condemns the assault and molestation of the Algerian press corps by RCK supporters. We call on the football authorities and the law enforcement agencies to investigate the assault and bring the perpetrators to book. We also urge them to take measures to forestall its recurrence.

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