The African Union Commission (AUC) and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) have called on African governments to take concrete measures to protect journalists and end impunity for crimes committed against media workers across the continent.
In a joint statement issued on November 2, 2026, to mark the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists, the two organisations expressed concern over persistent attacks on journalists, including killings, physical assaults, arbitrary arrests, detention, enforced disappearances, intimidation, legal harassment and digital abuse.
The statement was jointly issued by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, and Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists.
The two leaders said journalists across Africa continue to face serious threats for carrying out their professional responsibilities, warning that perpetrators of crimes against media workers frequently escape accountability.
This year’s global theme, “Threats evolve. Impunity endures,” highlights how emerging technologies and evolving weapons are changing the dangers faced by journalists, particularly those reporting from conflict zones.
“Across Africa, year in year out, journalists face persistent threats, including killings, physical attacks, arbitrary arrest and detention, enforced disappearance, intimidation, legal harassment and digital abuse,” the statement reads.
The organisations warned that the failure to punish those responsible for attacks on journalists emboldens perpetrators, silences public-interest reporting and denies communities access to information necessary for meaningful participation in public life.
Female journalists face growing digital threats
The African Union and FAJ particularly highlighted the vulnerability of female journalists, who face gender-based threats, harassment and online violence.
They noted that journalists covering elections, investigating corruption, reporting human rights violations and working in conflict-affected areas operate under increasingly difficult conditions.
The organisations warned that attacks on journalists undermine freedom of expression, access to information and the broader democratic rights of African citizens.
They reaffirmed that attacks against journalists are not merely professional violations but also attacks on the fundamental human rights of African populations.
AU demands accountability from African governments
The two organisations called on African Union Member States to fulfil their obligations under regional and international human rights laws by taking practical steps to prevent attacks against journalists and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
They urged governments to establish or strengthen national mechanisms dedicated to the safety of journalists and ensure that security agencies understand and respect the role of the media.
The statement specifically called for journalists to be protected while covering protests, elections, emergencies and armed conflicts.
It also cautioned governments against using laws to intimidate journalists, obstruct legitimate reporting or restrict the responsible exercise of freedom of expression.
On digital safety, the African Union and FAJ called for effective measures to address surveillance, online harassment and technology-facilitated gender-based violence while safeguarding fundamental human rights.
AU calls for stronger cooperation with media organisations
The statement further emphasised the need for stronger cooperation between governments, regional and continental institutions, media organisations, journalists’ unions and civil society groups.
According to the two organisations, prevention, protection and accountability should guide efforts to improve the safety of journalists across Africa.
They also insisted that journalists and their representative organisations must be meaningfully involved in developing and monitoring policies intended to protect media workers.
The organisations proposed peer review mechanisms to promote the responsible exercise of freedom of expression while ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without intimidation.
Independent media critical to Africa’s development
The African Union Commission and the Federation of African Journalists reaffirmed the importance of independent media in promoting peace, democracy, accountability and people-centred development under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
They referenced the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees freedom of expression and access to information.
The AU’s Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security and the Peace and Security Council have previously emphasised the importance of media freedom, journalists’ safety and information integrity.
The organisations said protecting journalists requires governments to investigate attacks, prosecute those responsible, punish perpetrators and provide effective remedies to victims.
“Ending impunity is essential to protecting human rights, strengthening democratic governance and building peaceful societies in Africa,” the statement noted.
They concluded by reaffirming their commitment to building an Africa where journalists can work freely and safely, without fear of violence or retaliation, and where crimes committed against media workers are investigated and punished.
The International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is observed annually on November 2, drawing attention to the need for justice and accountability for attacks against journalists.
