We Remain Committed Towards Securing Press Freedom In Africa – CAJ Vows
The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), has expressed commitment towards securing press freedom in Africa with a view to enhancing the media sector.
CAJ however, assured all international and African partners of its commitment towards working closely with all players to ensure that the agenda of improving press freedom, freedom of expression and advocacy for the realization of all other rights provided for under AU Agenda 2063 and international conventions are realized.
It condemned in strong terms, the killing of a radio journalist in Lesotho on Sunday May 14, 2023, describing it as “a brazen onslaught on press freedom,” coming on the heels of the media convention in Lusaka which condemned attacks on journalists.
According to CAJ; “On May 14, 2023, Ralikonelo Joki, a popular radio presenter with Tsenolo FM in Maseru, Lesotho’s capital, was gunned down as he left the studio for his home. No arrests have been made so far”.
The umbrella body of African journalists therefore, tasked the authorities in Lesotho to urgently and exhaustively investigate the killing of the journalist and punish the perpetrators, stressing that the killing of journalists for doing their work is unacceptable, and lack of state action on such cases emboldens the enemies of press freedom.
CAJ particularly challenged African governments to show greater commitment to end impunity and uphold press freedom and other related rights.
CAJ in a statement by its President, Mr. Christopher Isiguzo, at the end of the outcome of its 2nd African Media Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia between May 11 and 13, 2023, noted that the declaration was a strong commitment by key players towards enhancing the media sector.
Isiguzo also congratulated UNESCO and African Union for their commitment to press freedom and working in partnership with African media organizations in rallying partners and mobilizing resources for the African Media convention as an important annual platform for discourse on improving the media in Africa.
He further said; “We laud the demonstrated commitment by UNESCO and the AU, and indeed all the respective organizations that made the Lusaka media convention successful and memorable.
“The resolutions provide us with a clear road map for action on securing press freedom in Africa,” CAJ said. Isiguzo, who also called for greater solidarity and commitment from all African media and journalists organizations.
CAJ said that only determined and all-inclusive efforts by all players would yield the desired results and strengthen the African Media Convention and other related initiatives.
Isiguzo further said; “We congratulate the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for securing the hosting of the 3rd African Media Convention and commit to mobilizing our more than 30 affiliate unions and associations to support and attend the convention in Ghana next year as part of rallying the journalists in the continent for this noble agenda”.
