Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
The President of Congress of African Journalists (CAJ), Chris Isiguzo has called on the military leaders who have taken over the reign of power in Niger and Gabon to respect press freedom and guarantee an enabling environment for both the national and international media outlets to discharge their mandate of informing the citizens and the world of the situation in both countries.
This was contained in a statement personally signed by him and made available to Journalists in Abuja.
He said that, following the coup in Niger on July 26, both local and international media have faced challenges in reporting about the developments in the country. Journalists and media houses have faced threats.
Isiguzo added that, on August 3, 2023, the military authorities suspended the operations of France 24 and Radio France International (RFI) adding that a number of both local and international journalists have since reported threats of attacks in the course of their work.
The number one Journalist, said that the authorities have also cautioned the public against the use of social media to publish messages that might “disrupt” social cohesion.
The CAJ president further expressed fear that the military intervention in Gabon, just like in Niger, and earlier on in Mali and Burkina Faso, may undermine press freedom and deny citizens and the international community access to information about developments in the country.
Isiguzo pointed out that the spate of military take overs are a danger to democracy and press freedom, which threatens to undermine the gains being made in the march towards stability and progress in the continent.
“Democracy remains the best form of government and we urge African leaders to promote meaningful dialogue, people –oriented programmes, respect for the will of the people and the building of strong electoral systems that guarantee peaceful transitions,” said CAJ President Chris Isiguzo.