AMDF Press Freedom

19/09/2024

12/09/2024

AMDF 6TH ANNUAL BAGUADA KALTHO LECTURE

For some time now, press freedom and media growth in Africa have been stifled, especially by politicians and overzealous law enforcement agents, who are bent on having things go their way. Their intensions have been carried out through various means, including harassment to imprisonment, and equipment seizure to demolition of media houses.

In line with that, the 6th Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture which holds on 19th September, 2024, will x-ray the negative impact of censorship on the media, and examine the relationship between the media and state actors.

The topic “Censorship and State Control: Analysis of African Countries where Press Freedom is Severely Restricted” is timely considering the strong desire of Africans to demand good governance and transparency from their leaders. Dr. Samson Omotosomhe of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, who will present the paper intends to focus on African countries worst hit by this while analysing the effect on democracy.

His paper will be followed by a panel featuring journalists from Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan who will discuss the paper, drawing examples from what is happening in their respective countries, including personal experiences.

As usual, AMDF will use the opportunity provided by the Media Lecture to present the 2024 Courage in Journalism Awards to two deserving individuals, Nigerian Journalist Gabriel Idibia of Daily Times Newspapers, and Somalian journalist Alinur Salad, founder of Dawan Media. These two have demonstrated resilience and adherence to the rules of the profession while under fire.

They have also displayed courage by returning to their journalism work despite the oppressive experiences in the hands of authorities and hoodlums in their respective countries.

Bagauda Kaltho in whose memory the lecture is being held, was a courageous Nigerian journalist who went missing in a mysterious circumstance in 1996.

Zhiroh Jatau
AMDF Press Freedom Manager
[email protected]
12th September, 2024

12/09/2024

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10/09/2024

This year's Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture brings to you experienced journalists across Africa.

Join us, as we discuss "Censorship and State Control: Analysis of African countries where press freedom is severely restricted."
X-raying the state of Press Freedom in countries and its impact on the society.

Registration has commenced. Kindly register below
https://forms.gle/2sJ5TFRYt3sTnmaM9

19/08/2024

*AMDF COMMENDS BURUNDI GOVERNMENT OVER RELEASE OF INCARCERATED JOURNALIST*

The news on the unconditional release of Floriane Irangabiye by Burundi Government is highly commendable.

Africa Media Development Foundation recognizes the move of the President as a boost to Press freedom not only for the Burundian Media but the African media as a whole.

Floriane Irangabiye was arrested in August 2022; convicted in January 2023 and sentenced for 10yrs with a fine of one million Burundian francs. This followed a court trial that was heavily critised for being flawed.

Her release brought great relief among the Human Rights Community, Journalists and International community. Irangabiye's charge of “undermining the intergrity of the national territory” sparked outrage amongst these groups who described the sentence as excessive.

The circumstances to her impromptu release and Presidential pardon is still unclear, we are glad it happened all the same and we believe it creates an atmosphere for journalism to blossom and democracy to thrive.

Floriane Irangabiye co founded Radio Igicaniro , a Rwanda based online outlet that host exiles and expatriates from Burundi.

AMDF reiterates its commitment to promoting press freedom and calls on African leaders to respect the rights of journalists as a fundamental principle of democracy.

Zhiroh Jatau
Press Freedom Manager
AMDF
19th August, 2024

11/08/2024

*JOURNALISTS ARE PARTNERS IN PROGRESS; ATTACK ON THE MEDIA IS SACRILEGIOUS*

August 10th marks the end of Nigeria’s protest. The peaceful protest which was schedule to hold for 10 days across the 36 states of the federation was marred by acts of harassments, violence, deaths.

Journalists were not left out as reports of various forms of attacks and intimidation were recorded. Its more disappointing to see that some of these harassments came from security personnel, protesters and thugs.

Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) unreservedly condemn such attacks on journalists. We wish to make it clear that society must understand an attack on media and journalists is an attack on the people and on freedom.

The role of media in information dissemination, as well as development cannot be overlooked. Media’s contribution towards nation building earned it its position as the 4th estate of the realm after the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary.

Journalists should always be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation. The profession is guided by ethics that were carefully formulated to ensure balanced reporting, safety of citizens and development of society.

The Media is a partner. Journalists are there to be the voice that amplify opinions. They should be accorded respect for the duties they carry out.

Zhiroh Jatau
Press Freedom Manager
AMDF
10th August, 2024

24/07/2024

AMDF CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF SOMALIAN JOURNALIST, ALINUR SALAD

Africa Media Development Foundation calls for the immediate release of Somalian journalist Alinur Salad and founder of Dawan Media. Reports reaching us indicate that he has being held for over 48 hours and yet to charged to court. After investigation, we gather that Alinur Salad was detained and held at the Waberi District of Banadir Region of Mogadishu, Somalia.

According to a statement by the Banadir Regional Police Alinur Salad Hassan, 38 was arrested on allegations of “immorality, false reporting, and insulting the armed forces. The police who are investigating Alinur assured of bringing him before a competent court and they are yet to do so.

Before establishing Dawan Media, Alinur Salad served as the Director of communications at the office of the Prime Minister of Somalia. He also worked for BBC Somali in Mogadishu.

Journalists at Dawan Media told AMDF that they have been receiving threats in the past due to their critical coverage of the government.

This form of intimidation is highly discouraged as it impedes on the fundamental human rights of journalists and press freedom. Journalists play an essential role in uncovering the truth, holding those in power accountable, and ensuring that citizens are informed about the realities affecting their lives. Suppressing the media not only undermines these values but also erodes public trust and transparency.

We urge president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to order the release of Alinur Salad immediately and ensure that journalists can work without fear of retribution or intimidation. The media is not an enemy but a cornerstone of democracy.

Zhiroh Jatau
Manager, Press Freedom
AMDF
24th July, 2024

23/07/2024

*2024 BAGAUDA KALTHO MEDIA LECTURE*

The 2024 Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture, themed "Censorship and State Control: Analysis of African Countries Where Press Freedom is Severely Restricted," aims to thoroughly examine the current state of press freedom across various African nations. This lecture will provide a platform for journalists, academics, policymakers, and civil society organizations to engage in critical discussions about the importance of press freedom as a cornerstone of good governance. By spotlighting the challenges faced by the media in repressive environments to foster a deeper understanding of the need for robust and independent journalism to promote transparency, accountability, and informed citizenry.

Kindly click on the link below to register for the event: https://forms.gle/2sJ5TFRYt3sTnmaM9

08/07/2024

https://businessday.ng/news/article/nuj-condemns-kidnap-of-two-journalists-in-kaduna/?amp

The Kaduna State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has condemned brutal attacks and kidnap of two journalists and their...

16/05/2024

2024 AMDF World Press Freedom Day Celebration

15/05/2024

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03/05/2024

This story must be told!

03/05/2024

AFRICA MEDIA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION (AMDF)
STATEMENT ON 2024 PRESS FREEDOM DAY

Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) felicitates with African Journalists on the 2024 Press Freedom Day. It’s a day set aside to uphold the importance of the Press by ensuring freedom, respect, and accountability.

The 2024 Press Freedom theme, “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis” seeks to draw attention to the importance of the planet earth and the need for journalists to promote safe environment. As such, the need to create a clean and green society for the future should be paramount. This begs for intensive investigation and exposure of companies and entities that are involved in negative exploitation of resources and polluting the earth.

Mindful of the Tripple planetary crisis that impacts human lives, i.e., Climate change, Pollution, and Biodiversity loss, there is an urgent need for the media to stand on its agenda-setting role and push for the protection of the environment.

It is noteworthy, freedom of the Press is imperative for the society to thrive. The press is the voice of the people to their leaders, whether in a democracy or otherwise (knowing our peculiarity in Africa).

Countries like Ghana, Namibia, Nigeria and Cape Verde have provisions in their constitutions that reflects role, or protection for the press, but these legal safeguards do not always translate to full press freedom in practice.

Reports show that at the beginning of 2024 there were about 70 journalists incarcerated in various countries of Africa. Most of them in cases related to investigative stories on corruption. This shows how vulnerable the African journalists are.

It is sad that we continue to witness increasing attack on the press in countries like Eritrea, Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and Mali, where journalists are detained, and media houses invaded because of their work.

As the fourth estate of the realm, the Press should be provided a conducive atmosphere to play its role in governance and development.

AMDF therefore calls on African authorities to take more steps towards protecting journalists and provide them the needed space to operate.

Have a great 2024 Press Freedom celebration!

Zhiroh Jatau
Manager, Press Freedom
AMDF
3RD MAY, 2024

25/03/2024

AMDF CALLS FOR THE RELEASE OF ABDUCTED JOURNALIST, SEGUN OLATUNJI

Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) received with dismay the abduction of the General Editor, FirstNews, Mr. Segun Olatunji, on Friday 15th March, 2024.

We spoke with his wife, Oluwatosin Alice Olatunji, his brother, Tolu Olatunji, and his colleagues. From our discussions no one has a clear picture of who and why the journalist was abducted, and no Agency has taken responsibility for his disappearance.

However, we have seen statements by other concerned bodies linking the abduction to a story he wrote. We can’t substantiate that, but the appearance and commando nature of the abduction appears that it is related to his journalism work.

AMDF calls on all Security Agencies in Nigeria to look into the matter with utmost urgency and take all necessary actions to bring Mr. Olatunji back home safe and in full sanity.

The trauma on the family and colleagues is devastating. There is a deep yearning to hear from Olatunji and know his whereabouts and his condition, this will answer questions raised by his family and colleagues.

"My husband is not a troublesome man. He is just diligent in job. I most of the time ask him to take a rest but works and works. He sleeps very late and wakes up very early.....hmmmm..... This situation of his abduction is really affecting me in all areas," his wife said.

As a press freedom organization, we emphasize that there are ways to address matters bordering on published stories by media – abduction is not one of them.

Journalism has guidelines, ethics, and rules that guide the practice. In the event of a breach, there are steps to seek redress. We call on the abductors to release Olatunji and follow the path of redress if it is story-related.

We also call on the abductors to respect the liberty of free speech, press freedom, human rights, the rule of law, and the Nigerian constitution, which provides for the press to operate.

At all times, AMDF stands for press freedom.

Signed

Zhiroh Samuel Jatau
Manager, Press Freedom
Africa Media Development Foundation
25th March, 2024.

21/03/2024