Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Home Blog Page 43

AFEX Condemns Burglary of AMDISS Office, Urges Police to Investigate

Felicia Anthonio
-
0

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) joins its member, the Association for Media and Development in South Sudan (AMDISS) to strongly condemn the armed burglary incident at the AMDISS office.

Five unidentified persons broke into the offices of AMDISS in Juba, South Sudanese capital on the night of October 27, 2016 and made away with valuable gadgets and some money.

According to AMDISS, two of the assailants who were armed ordered the security guard on duty to lie face down at gun point. The remaining three broke into the offices and took away two laptops computers and a hard drive containing valuable information about the organisation’s work. The intruders also made away with a camera, a television set flat screen and a safe which contained 15,000 South Sudanese Pounds an equivalent of US$ 2,337.78 and US$ 100.

The case has since been reported to the South Sudanese Police for further investigation. No suspects have been arrested in relation to the incident as at the time of writing this article.

This is the second time that the office of AMDISS has been broken into in three years. In 2013, unidentified persons broke into the office and took away computers and a projector. No arrest was made neither was there a report from the police regarding the outcome of their investigation.

AFEX finds such attacks unacceptable and a further threat to the promotion of the work of AMDISS. We call on the police in South Sudan to thoroughly and independently investigate into the matter and bring the culprits to book.

NUSOJ Appeals to Federal Government and Stakeholders to Ensure Safety of Journalists ahead Somalia’s Elections

Felicia Anthonio
-
0

plea-jpeg

AMDISS Raises Awareness on Media Laws for CSOs in South Sudan

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
AMDISS Raises Awareness on Media Laws for CSOs in South Sudan

This statement was originally published on AMDISS on October 24, 2016.

“You people are very quick in responding to human rights violations” Alfred Taban tells members of the CSOs/CBOs during a two day awareness raising workshop that took place at AMDISS Head Office Juba from October 20th-21st, 2016  which brought together twenty one (21) members of CSOs/CBOs representing different institutions. “When I was arrested, you people were the first to advocate for my rights and also were the first to call for my release and that of other journalists who were in detentions; “you did better than my colleagues in the media”.  “You civil society is agents for positive change”

Alfred Taban, Chairperson of AMDISS made these remarks during the opening of a two day workshop for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)/ Community Based Organizations (CBOs) on media laws awareness raising under the theme “Civil Society Support for Freedom of Expression, Information and media organized by the Association for Media Development In South Sudan (AMDISS) with support from Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)

AMDISS organized the workshop to enhance CSOs/CBOs with knowledge of the media laws to improve their support for the implementation of these laws, it was also to explain the principles of freedom of opinion and expression as entrenched in the National Transitional Constitution 2011 and international and regional treaties and analyze the roles and responsibilities of CSOs/CBOs in the new legal dynamics in South Sudan.

The workshop, according to most of the participants was an eye opener and an opportunity for them to learn more about the media laws and the structures of the bodies that govern these laws. Participants also shared their experiences and hardship they have been facing in relation to freedom of expression and access to information during the course of their duties. The workshop concluded by forming a task force spearheaded by AMDISS to monitor and push for the implementation of the media laws.

The two day workshop was facilitated by four professional lawyers with good experience in both national and international instruments on legal frame work on freedom of expression, information and media.

MFWA Continues to Monitor Hate Speech on Ghana’s Radio ahead of Elections

Felicia Anthonio
-
0

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has released its latest language monitoring report covering the month of September. During the month, a total of 14 incidents of indecent expressions were recorded on a total of 1,906 radio programmes monitored on 60 radio stations across the country.

Officials, supporters and affiliates of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) were the most culpable in the use of indecent expressions on radio during the month of September. The two parties were each cited for the use of five (5) indecent expressions. Officials, supporters and affiliates of the National Democratic Party (NDP) followed with 2 incidents of indecent expressions while the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP) recorded one (1) incident.

Overall, Mr. George Lawson, Deputy General Secretary of the NDC was cited for the highest number of abusive comments during the month of September. He was cited for 4 different incidents of indecent expressions.

Six out of the 60 stations monitored recorded the 14 incidents of indecent expressions. Accra-based Happy FM topped the pack with 6 out of the 14 indecent expressions recorded. Okay FM, also an Accra-based radio station followed with 4 recorded incidents.

The full report with other details on other individuals who used indecent expressions and the radio stations that recorded these incidents can be found here.

For more information, contact Abigail Larbi Odei on 0244867047 or Dora B. Mawutor on 0246740358.

AFEX Welcomes the Release of Journalist

Felicia Anthonio
-
0

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) has learnt with relief and satisfaction that Somali journalist Abdi Adan Guled, has been released after spending four days in detention.

Guled, who is the Editor-in-Chief of Xog Ogaal Daily newspaper and Vice President of the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), a member organization of AFEX, was arrested by agents of Somali’s national security apparatus on October 15, 2016.

We join our member NUSOJ to welcome the freeing of the journalist and the release of the seized equipment. But we remain appalled by his unjustified arrest in the first place. We also deplore the unreasonable period he endured in detention.

NUSOJ Secretary General Omar Faruk Osman, emphasized that Guled “committed no crime and his imprisonment was entirely unjust.”

AFEX also believes the arrest and detention of the journalist without any charges was a flagrant violation his basic human rights and an act of intimidation and censorship.

We join NUSOJ to congratulate Abdi Adan Guled for his stoic resistance of this unwarranted assault on his personal liberty.

Finally, we urge the Somali government restrain the NISA and all other state security agencies from the repeated attacks against media organisations and professionals.

Ugandan Newspaper Broken into, Robbed of Computers

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
Ugandan Newspaper Broken into, Robbed of Computers

This statement was originally published by HRNJ-Uganda on October 17, 2016.

Unknown assailants broke into the premises of the Observer Newspaper at Plot 1Tagore Crescent, Kamwokya in Kampala and made away with vital equipment and information. The security guard on duty was missing, while his gun was recovered at the premises.

The Bi-weekly’ publication Managing Director, James Tumusiime told Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda (HRNJ-Uganda) that the intruders accessed the offices in the wee hours of Saturday 16th Oct, 2016 when they cut the padlock to the Newsroom, after going through the main gate which was found wide open.

“Eighteen computers –some belonging to the editors, marketing executives and reporters, flash discs, a camera lens, cell phone, internet modem, and some confidential information and materials were stolen by the attackers. They also took a couple of news stories which were being worked on at the time. All drawers in the newsroom and marketing room were broken.” Tumusiime told HRNJ-Uganda at the Observers headquarters at Kamwokya.

Tumusiime said that much as they could not implicate anyone, they couldn’t rule out malicious intentions and connivance with the security guard –provided by Delta Security Services Company who had been about a week old at the offices.

HRNJ-Uganda has also learnt that some padlocks at the Observer offices had been tampered with on Thursday night and could hardly open in the morning, but were later replaced with no suspicion.

The Observer, Red Pepper, Daily Monitor, Uganda Radio Network and the New Vision were a fortnight summoned to appear before the Parliamentary Committee on Rules, Privileges and Discipline over what was called negative publicity against Parliament. All but the New Vision declined to appear before the committee arguing that since Parliament was the complainant, it could not be the one to try the media houses, adding that the media was doing its work in watching over the actions of the MPs. Parliament has since issued fresh summons to the four media houses to appear this week.

This comes at the backdrop of rampant office break-ins, mainly for organisations defending on human rights, which promoted the leaders of the Civil Society Organisations to seek for a meeting with the Inspector General of Police, Gen. Kale Kayihura and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Gen. Aronda Nyakairima (RIP) to reign in on the situation. There however seems to be no solution as more organisations have continued to fall victim without any perpetrators being brought to book. HRNJ-Uganda offices have been broken into three times in a space of two (2) years, in 2013, 2015 and 2016.

Other victim organisations include; Human Rights Network-Uganda (HURINET-U), Uganda Land Alliance, Human Rights Promotion and Awareness Forum, NGO Forum, Foundation For Human Rights Initiative, Refugee Law Project, among others. Some time back, offices of the Red Pepper were set on fire at night by armed men. No suspects have been arrested or conclusive investigations conducted by the police.

“This blatant attack on the media is a direct interference with freedom of expression and the media which the police should investigate thoroughly. We urge the media houses to remain firm and do their work despite such acts that pose a direct danger to their lives,” said the HRNJ-Uganda National Coordinator, Robert Ssempala.

Security Agents must Stop Harassing the Media in Somalia- AFEX

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
Security Agents must Stop Harassing the Media in Somalia- AFEX

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX), together with its member, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) urges Somali security forces to stop the recent clampdown on the media and journalists in the country.

AFEX is particularly concerned about the shutdown of Xog-Ogaal newspaper and the arrest and detention of Abdi Adan Guled, editor-in-chief of the newspaper. Xog-Ogaal is one of the oldest and leading publications in Mogadishu, Somalia. The detained journalist is also the Vice President of the NUSOJ.

According to NUSOJ, heavily armed officers of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), on October 15, 2016, at about 20hrs local time raided the premises of the newspaper and arrested Mr Guled.

The security agents also confiscated newspapers, computers, archives, cameras and other materials during the raid and ordered the closure of the newspaper.

Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General said in a statement issued on October 16 that this has all the hallmarks of state security harassment and hounding of a leading independent journalist. “Abdi Adan Guled is the latest victim of a prevailing situation of persecution of independent voices in the Somali media. Guled should be freed immediately and the authorities must act to end intimidation of journalists”, Mr Osman added.

NUSOJ added that no charges have been brought against Mr Guled, but many believe the arrest is in relation to his work as a journalist.

We join NUSOJ, to express serious concern about the recent acts of attacks on the media and journalists in Somalia by the country’s security agency. NISA has been the perpetrator of several incidents of violations against journalists in Somalia this year.

In August 2016, security agents raided the premises of Radio Shabelle in Mogadishu, briefly shut down the station and took five journalists to its regional headquarters for interrogations.

In a similar development, in July 2016, NISA ordered the closure of City FM and the arrest of two journalists working with the station following a broadcast of interviews on a food aid programme in the Middle Shabelle region.

AFEX calls on the security agency to allow the newspaper to resume work immediately and to release journalist, Abdi Adan Guled who has been arbitrarily detained for over 48 hours in contravention of provisions in the Constitution of Somalia.

We also implore the security agency in Somalia to stop interfering in the work of the media. These acts of intimation lead to self-censorship which is inimical to democratic progress. Security forces should aim at protecting the media to play its critical role as Somalia goes to the polls on October 30, 2016 rather than restricting freedom of expression.

Authorities in South Sudan must Investigate Killings of Journalists

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
Authorities in South Sudan must Investigate Killings of Journalists

This statement was originally issued by AMDISS on October 4, 2016.

The Association for Media Development In South Sudan (AMDISS), The Union of Journalists of South Sudan (UJOSS) and the National Editors Forum (NEF) urge the authorities in South Sudan to investigate killings and constant harassment of journalists.

The media fraternity was shocked with the news of the demise of veteran journalist Isaac Vuni, who according to his family, was kidnapped by uniformed people at gunpoint in June 2016 at his home at Kerepi village along the Juba- Nimule Road. He was found dead three months later, but the identities of the kidnappers and killers remains unknown.

On September 23rd 2016, the media fraternity also lost a young journalist by the name Oketa Benson in a car accident involving a water tank vehicle. He was rushed to hospital, unfortunately he died shortly after arriving to the hospital. This follows the recent killing of two journalists in July 2016, John Gatluk who was working for The Radio Community, a Internews funded institution and Kamula Duro, who was a Cameraman in the Office of the President.

Since the beginning of the violent conflict in South Sudan in December 2013, the media fraternity lost twelve (12) journalists, some of whom were targeted because of their work as journalists but some were victims of circumstances.

Besides losing journalists, the media also went through rough times this period from Dec 2013. For example, twenty seven (27) journalists were arrested, some were released and others are still in detention. seven (7) media institutions were closed down, but only two were reopened, three (3) journalists were kidnapped, detained in unknown location, tortured and later dumped near graveyards, two (2) journalists kidnapped and are still missing, several journalists fled the country for fear of their lives, one (1) journalist was shot and wounded, forty five (45) cases of intimidation of both media houses and individual journalists, summons and questioning of both media houses and journalists are extremely high.

AMDISS, UJOSS, NEF are deeply concerned about the alarming level of impunity for crimes against journalists and the crackdown on media houses and call on authorities in South Sudan to investigate the killings  and constant harassment of journalists and bring the killers to book and end the harassment.

We also call on the authorities in South Sudan to reopen all the media houses that are still shut and provide a conducive media friendly environment for journalists to carry out their duties. We also call on the Government of South Sudan to provide safety of journalists as it is the responsibility of the government to provide security for all the citizens. The media fraternity remains committed to provide the much needed platform for peace, reconciliation and development of South Sudan.

It is clear that past investigations into killings of journalists have not yielded any fruitful results, we therefore, appeal to the authorities concerned to include representatives of journalists union, editors and media associations in any committee formed to investigate any incidence involving journalists.

Contact persons:

  1. Alfred Taban (AMDISS Chairperson) Tel: +211(0) 956 988 087  Email: [email protected]
  2. Oliver Modi Philip (UJOSS Chairperson) Tel: +211 (0) 957 100 855 Email: [email protected]
  3. Koang Pal Chang (NEF Chairperson) Tel: +211 (0)912 814 414 Email: [email protected]

AFEX Calls on Somali Authorities to Investigate Murder of Journalist

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
AFEX Calls on Somali Authorities to Investigate Murder of Journalist

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) and its member in Somalia, National Union Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) urges authorities in Somalia to investigate the murder of journalist working with Radio Shabelle.

According to NUSOJ, two men armed with pistols on September 27, 2016, shot and killed a Radio Shabelle reporter in Yaqhshid district in the Somali capital, Mogadishu. He was on his way to visit his uncle when the incident happened. The murdered journalist has been identified as Abdiasis Mohamed Ali popularly known as Haji in Mogadishu.

In a statement issued by NUSOJ on September 27, NUSOJ Secretary General, Omar Faruk Osman said that the murder highlights once more the dreadful conditions under which journalists work in Somalia.  “This cold-blooded murder again shows the precarious security conditions that Somali journalists continue to face. This is another of a colleague, a friend and a union member. The journalist community in Mogadishu is shocked by this latest attack and there is a widespread concern that many more journalists are at risk due to upcoming indirect national elections for politically motivated assassins to eliminate defenseless journalists to send a political message”.

NUSOJ added that the deceased journalist had worked with Radio Shabelle for more than seven years and was arrested on several occasions by the police and the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in connection with his work as a journalist. The reason behind the murder of Abdiasis Mohammed is not clear.

Journalists in Somalia continue to work under dangerous conditions. This is the second journalist to be gunned down in Somalia this year.

In June 2016, a female journalist working with Somali National Television station (SNTV), Sagal Salad Osman was shot and killed in Hodan district of Somalia. No one has been held responsible four months after the barbaric killing of the journalist.

AFEX is deeply concerned about the prevalence of impunity for crimes against journalists, media professionals and activists in Somalia and on the continent.

We join NUSOJ to condemn the callous murder of journalist, Abdiasis Mohamed Ali and the murder of all other journalists in Somalia. We urge the Somali government to investigate into this unfortunate incident and ensure that the culprits are brought to justice.

AFEX also calls on the UN to put pressure on the Somali government to adopt measures to ensure that journalists in Somalia work under safe environment in line with the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity.

International Day for Universal Access to Information

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
International Day for Universal Access to Information

AFEX Petitions South Sudan to Reopen Nation Mirror Newspaper

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
AFEX Petitions South Sudan to Reopen Nation Mirror Newspaper

Why South Sudan Authorities Must Reopen Nation Mirror Newspaper

“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that needs to be universally protected”, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

“The rights to Freedom of Expression and Access to Information are enshrined in Article 24 and Article 32 respectively of the National Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011”

Background

The Nation Mirror is a prominent independent paper which started operating in South Sudan in July 2014.

On September 14, 2016, authorities of the National Security Service (NSS) in South Sudan arbitrarily shut down the Nation Mirror newspaper. According to management of the paper, there was no reason given by the security body for the decision.

However, according to local media, the paper was shut down after reporting on the Sentry Corruption Report on South Sudan. The Sentry report highlights acts of corruption by the President and top military officials in the country.

Prior to its closure on September 14, the security service ordered the Ganesh Printing Press to remove two articles from the Nation Mirror newspaper before publication on two different occasions. In a separate incident, the NSS reportedly demanded that the management of the newspaper either produce the writer of an opinion piece which the security service deemed critical of the government or risk being shut down.

This is not the first time the Nation Mirror newspaper has been targeted. In February 2015, seven months after the paper was established, South Sudan’s authorities closed down the paper for a period of eight months (February- October 2015).

The Nation Mirror newspaper is not the only newspaper to be shut down in South Sudan. At least three newspapers including the Citizen, Al-rai and Altabeer newspapers have been shut down completely in the country.

The NSS has the authority to scrutinize content of newspapers before publication and those who rebel risk being shut down. In most instances, the NSS does not give the exact reason for the closure of newspaper organisations.

Media censorship denies citizens’ their fundamental right to receive and impart information and ideas through the media as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. We appeal to authorities of South Sudan’s Security Service to inform the public the exact reason and legal basis for the closure of the Nation Mirror newspaper.

Join AFEX to tell the South Sudanese Government that no newspaper deserves to be shut down for being critical of the government.

Click here to sign the petition.

Kindly share with your friends and contacts worldwide.

AFEX Decries Police Brutality against Protesters in DRC

Felicia Anthonio
-
0
AFEX Decries Police Brutality against Protesters in DRC

The African Freedom of Expression Exchange (AFEX) is deeply appalled by the brutality of the Congolese police against peaceful demonstrators in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

On September 19, 2016, demonstrations in capital city Kinshasa and other cities turned deadly when security forces opened live bullets at protesters. Reports say while the demonstrations were going on, a number of protesters begun setting fire to properties belonging to major political parties in the country. The police on duty to ensure a protection of life and property reacted by firing live bullets at the protesters resulting in deaths and serious injuries.

The government has reported that the death toll is 32 including 3 police officers but warns that the numbers could rise. Opposition politicians however peg the death toll at over 50.

The demonstration is believed to be as a result of the postponement of elections in the country. There has been unrest in the country following an announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) that elections scheduled for December 2016 would be held in July 2017.

The ruthless suppression of the demonstration by the police has been condemned by several local and international human rights organisations as a serious violation of free expression.

AFEX joins the international community to strongly condemn the action of the Congolese police for exerting excessive force on the demonstrators which has resulted in the death of and injuries to several citizens.  We call on the police to investigate expeditiously into the matter and bring the perpetrators to book. We also call on the Police Service in the country to train their men in controlling demonstrators.

1...424344...57Page 43 of 57

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.

FOLLOW US

32 Otele Avenue,     East Legon, Accra, Ghana.     Tel: +233 30 255 5327     Email: info [@] africafex.org     Contact us

About us

Our network

On the issues

Our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter

To be updated with all the latest news, offers and special announcements.

© 2023 African Freedom of Expression Exchange