The African Union Commission and the Federation of African Journalists have renewed calls for stronger protection of journalists across the continent, warning that attacks against media workers continue to threaten freedom of expression and the public’s right to information.
The call was made in a joint statement issued on November 2, 2026, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
The statement was signed by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, and Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists.
Under the theme, “Threats evolve. Impunity endures,” the statement drew attention to the changing risks confronting journalists, particularly in conflict areas where digital technologies and evolving weapons have created additional threats.
The organisations expressed solidarity with journalists and other media workers who have been killed, injured, detained, threatened or forced into exile because of their work.
They stressed that attacks against journalists are not merely attacks on individual media professionals but also violations that affect the wider public’s fundamental right to receive information.
The statement called on African Union member states to meet their obligations under African and international human rights law by preventing attacks, investigating reported violations and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
It also urged governments to establish or strengthen national mechanisms dedicated to the safety of journalists and ensure that security agencies understand and respect the legitimate role of media professionals.
Particular concern was raised over the use of laws and state powers to intimidate journalists, obstruct legitimate reporting or restrict responsible freedom of expression.
The organisations further called for stronger measures against digital threats, including surveillance, online harassment and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, while ensuring that responses to such threats do not undermine fundamental rights.
They also urged greater cooperation among governments, regional institutions, media organisations, journalists’ unions and civil society groups in developing and monitoring measures for journalists’ protection.
The statement maintained that journalists and their representative organisations should be actively involved in shaping policies designed to protect media workers, particularly those covering elections, protests, emergencies and armed conflicts.
The organisations concluded that ending impunity is essential to protecting human rights, strengthening democratic governance and building peaceful societies.
The appeal is particularly significant for African countries where journalists continue to face threats while reporting on insecurity, corruption, public accountability and political developments.
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