The African Union Commission is now calling for better and safer working conditions for journalists in the continent.
This follows the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) continued calls to the African Union and its relevant bodies to prioritise the issue, essential for maintaining press freedom on the continent.
In a meeting chaired by Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, the organisations addressed journalist protection and access to information in conflict situations across Africa.
Monono expressed concern over the rising number of violent attacks and threats to journalists and humanitarian workers in conflict situations and condemned all violations and abuses committed.
He encouraged member states to actively engage in the development and implementation of national and regional strategies that align with AU guidelines and principles that safeguard the safety of journalists and media facilities, as well as the formation of Working Groups on the Protection of Journalists and National Coordination Mechanisms for the Safety of Journalists.
The Ambassador commended the journalists for their public interest work in promoting democracy, freedom of speech and political accountability.
He also appreciated the efforts of the AU Commission, the ACHPR and the APRM in promoting the role of journalists in contributing to peace, security and democracy and towards the development of Africa in ensuring human rights are upheld
The Federation of African Journalists president Faruk Osman stressed the need for scribes to work in a secure environment as they bid to inform and uphold the right to access to information.
Osman briefed the 15 members and various AU bodies on the dangerous conditions journalists in Africa endure, especially those in conflict zones, adding that the AU Peace and Security Council is a beacon of hope for journalists across the continent, in the face of dangers and conflicts.
These include killings, harassment, arbitrary arrests, attacks on female journalists and widespread restrictions on access to information.
“It signifies a crucial transformative step towards establishing a safe haven for media professionals who risk everything to shine a light on the darkest corners of our societies.
"We now have a clear and actionable commitment from the highest levels to protect not just the lives of journalists but also the fundamental freedoms that underpin our democracies. We will do everything it takes to see this outcome implemented to the letter," he said.
According to the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, protecting freedom of expression is critical for developmental rights in Africa.
He added that any attacks on journalists are attacks on all continent's citizens and called for collective efforts to safeguard their fundamental human rights.
Anthony Bellanger, General Secretary of the IFJ, termed the decision a game changer for press freedom in Africa.
“It affirms commitment to combat the impunity of crimes committed against journalists that too often silences voices within the media and stifles freedom of the press,” he stated.