African Union and FAJ Urge Governments to Halt Impunity Against Journalists

The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) have issued a strong joint call urging African governments to enhance the safety of media personnel and put an end to widespread impunity for crimes targeting journalists.

Marking the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the joint statement was endorsed by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, alongside Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists. Both leaders emphasized that reporters across the continent continue to encounter grave perils, ranging from physical assaults and arbitrary detentions to digital harassment and enforced disappearances.

Under this year’s global theme, “Threats Evolve. Impunity Endures,” the organisations drew attention to how shifting technologies and new forms of weaponized risks have increased dangers for reporters, particularly in conflict zones. The advisory specifically highlighted that female journalists face heightened vulnerabilities to gender-based online violence, while reporters covering elections, corruption, and human rights abuses operate under extreme pressure.

According to the statement, leaving these crimes unpunished emboldens wrongdoers and silences critical public-interest reporting that communities rely upon for democratic participation. The AUC and FAJ reminded member states of their obligations under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, stressing that independent media remains vital for achieving peace and accountable governance under Agenda 2063.

To reverse these worrying trends, the organizations recommended establishing robust national safety mechanisms, protecting reporters during protests and elections, and curbing abusive legal measures designed to restrict free expression. They also appealed for stronger collaboration across continental institutions and civil society to guarantee that every journalist can operate free from intimidation and reprisal.

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