#AIJC2024: A call to action for the safety of journalists in Africa

As Africa continues to grapple with escalating threats to press freedom, the safety of journalists across the continent remains a matter of urgent concern. These issues, including physical attacks, legal persecution, and digital surveillance, were brought into sharp focus at the 20th African Investigative Journalism Conference (AIJC), held at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa, from October 30 to November 1, 2024. The event, which attracted over 450 delegates from 55 countries, culminated in a powerful statement that called for immediate action to protect journalists and defend press freedom.

The statement, unanimously adopted by participants from 55 nations (Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Burkina, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Gambia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guinea, India, Italy, Kenya, Korea North, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Netherlands, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Swaziland, Sweden, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), highlighted the increasing dangers faced by journalists in Africa, where the pursuit of truth often comes at great personal risk. Issued on the eve of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, 2024 edition, the statement underscored the vital role investigative journalism plays in exposing corruption, human rights abuses, and other societal injustices.

“Journalism is a public good,” the statement declared. “But journalists are often not safe in Africa. We face killings, threats, harassment, and imprisonment for speaking the truth about corruption, human rights violations, and abuses of power.”
The sentiment reflected the dire circumstances under which many journalists in Africa operate, where exposing uncomfortable truths has led to physical harm, legal charges, or even death.

A particularly stark example of this troubling trend in our country, Burundi, is the case of Sandra Muhoza, a journalist in Ngozi province, northern Burundi, who remains in detention after sharing unverified information in a journalists’ WhatsApp group. Her arrest highlights the increasing use of legal frameworks to stifle free speech and intimidate journalists. Alongside Muhoza, Kenny Claude Nduwimana, a journalist and director of Jay-C TV, also remains behind bars in Burundi, further demonstrating the growing risks for media personnel in Burundi.

A unified call for action


“We must unite to protect journalists” declared the statement adopted by 450 delegates from 55 countries

During the conference, all 450 delegates from across the globe joined forces in calling for concrete action to ensure the safety of journalists. The statement made several key demands, including the immediate release of all journalists unlawfully detained for their work and the withdrawal of any charges brought against them. Delegates also urged the creation of an international tribunal, potentially under the African Union or the United Nations, to investigate crimes against journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.

Digital security was also a key point of discussion. With the rise of surveillance technologies, the AIJC participants called for stronger data protection laws to prevent both government and private sector misuse of digital tools against journalists.
“The role of journalism in society is critical to holding power accountable,” one of the delegates emphasized.
“Without the protection of journalists, we lose the ability to expose corruption and injustice, which has severe consequences for democracy,” he added.

The role of civil society and media organizations


Media organizations are urged to strengthen collaborative networks for sustainable investigative journalism

The AIJC also emphasized the importance of collaboration between civil society and media organizations. Delegates underscored the need for dedicated support systems for journalists facing digital security threats, harassment, and surveillance. They called for the establishment of helpdesks and reporting platforms, the implementation of digital security training, and advocacy efforts specifically for female journalists.

“We must unite to protect journalists and ensure that media can continue to serve as the watchdogs of society,” the statement concluded, urging a global commitment to tackling impunity and safeguarding the future of independent journalism in Africa and beyond.
The message from the AIJC 2024 is clear: the protection of journalists is not just a matter for African governments, but a global imperative for the preservation of democracy and the truth.