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‘Empower journalists to report on climate, combat false narratives’

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Journalists, fact-checkers, digital rights advocates, and climate specialists from across the continent gathered in Johannesburg, South Africa, for a one-day summit.

The event focused on tackling climate change disinformation and protecting the integrity of public information.

Convened by Media Monitoring Africa (MMA) alongside regional and international partners, the gathering took place under the theme, ‘Fighting Climate Change Disinformation: Information Integrity for Climate Change and the Role of African Media’.

With South Africa preparing to host the G20 Summit – this, for the first time on African soil – the timing of the meeting is significant. Issues of climate and environmental sustainability are expected to dominate the G20 agenda, and local media bodies are working to ensure that information integrity is not left off the table.

Organisations such as the South African National Editors’ Forum and MMA are pushing for the media’s role in combating false and misleading narratives to be recognised as vital to the success of climate action efforts

Reliable information, participants argued, is the backbone of effective climate response. Without it, misinformation can derail policy, mislead the public and weaken global cooperation on issues such as carbon emissions, green transitions and disaster preparedness.

‘Climate change affects every aspect of our societies, and the media has a critical role to play in how people understand and respond to it,’ said one delegate.

There was broad agreement among attendees that African media houses need stronger support, including better tools and training to detect and counter disinformation, especially in an era where false narratives can spread rapidly online.

The summit concluded with a call for coordinated strategies to defend the information space and empower journalists to report on climate issues with depth, accuracy, and accountability.

CHANNEL AFRICA

PICTURE: Ron Lach/Pexels

This article was first published here

 

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Egyptian TV hosts critical of State suspended by media companies

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A  media company linked to Egyptian authorities suspended three prominent television programmes after their hosts criticised the government and road safety failures, raising concerns about media control by state-aligned entities

On 16 July, United Media Services (UMS), a company owned and closely linked to Egypt’s General Intelligence Service, terminated its contract with veteran journalist Lamis El Hadidy. Her ON TV talk show, Kelma Akheera (‘Final Word’), had been off the air since early July.

Independent Egyptian outlets El-Manassa and Saheeh Masr reported that the firing and cancellation were due to El Hadidy’s violation of editorial red lines by mentioning military companies and government responsibility for a road crash that killed 19 people, mostly teenage girls.

Separately, on 6 July, journalist Khairy Ramadan’s show, Ma’a Khairy (‘With Khairy’), on Al-Mehwar TV, which is part of a media coalition led by UMS, was abruptly cut off mid-episode, also because he reported on the road accident. The programme featured truck drivers blaming poor road conditions for frequent accidents.

Ramadan was ordered to cut to an unscheduled commercial break, and the show has not aired since.

In another case of apparent retaliation, sources told London-based newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Cairo-based channel Al-Qahera Wal Nas – also part of the UMS coalition – recently decided to terminate TV host Ibrahim Eissa’s contract after he launched a YouTube channel featuring indirect criticism of the government.

‘These suspensions reveal the Egyptian government’s intolerance of journalism that crosses political red lines or questions state performance,’ said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director. ‘Journalists must be able to hold officials accountable without fear of censorship or retaliation’

Toronto-based exiled Egyptian journalist and media commentator Mostafa Al-A’sar told the CPJ, ‘Egypt’s media is tightly controlled by the security apparatus. Journalists who stray from the official narrative face sanctions — even if they work for security-owned outlets’.

CPJ emailed UMS for comment but received no response.

COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS

PICTURE: Lamis El Hadidy was fired after she discussed the military and government culpability on her show, Kelma Akheera (‘Final Word’) (Lamiskelmaakhera/YouTube)

This article was first published here

RNW Media

Funding must be agile to respond to evolving disinformation landscape

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Independent journalism and civil society are under growing financial strain, while advances in AI have accelerated global disinformation, fuelling conflict, threatening democracy and human rights, and disrupting efforts in public health and climate action.

Information integrity is vital to economic stability, democratic security and civic cohesion. Despite the clear and present danger posed by disinformation, current EU and national funding mechanisms do not adequately prioritise or strategically allocate resources to counter this threat.

RNW Media – as an international media development organisation based in the Netherlands – draws on more than 75 years of global experience lead action through a joint statement, supported by 49 organisation and thought leaders, offering practical recommendations to build resilient, rights-based information ecosystems.

We believe Europe has a unique opportunity to sustain public funding mechanisms that uphold information integrity. The European Union has played a key role in shaping the global information landscape through regulation, but without decisive action, the consequences will ripple far beyond Europe, especially in the Global South

The joint statement, published on our website, ‘Prioritising funding for information integrity in the EU and beyond’, includes some key demands, to:

  • significantly increase and dedicate funding: allocate specific funding within the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and national budgets to initiatives focused on information integrity, independent journalism and civil society organisations actively countering disinformation
  • integrate disinformation countermeasures across all policy areas: recognise that disinformation impacts all policy domains from climate action to public health – and crucially, economic and societal stability – and integrate robust countermeasures and funding streams into relevant sectoral strategies and programmes
  • foster cross-sectoral, multistakeholder collaboration and innovation: expand the promotion and fund collaborative efforts between governments, civil society, media organisations, academia and technology companies to develop innovative solutions and share best practices in combating disinformation
  • strengthen global partnerships: support initiatives that extend beyond EU borders, recognising that disinformation is a global challenge. Leverage frameworks like Global Gateway to bolster information integrity in partner countries, particularly in global-majority regions, recognising the interconnectedness of global information environments, and
  • ensure flexibility and responsiveness in funding: create funding mechanisms that are agile enough to respond to the rapidly evolving landscape of disinformation, including the emergence of new AI-driven threats identified by journalists as a major concern

RNW Media, together with its partners, will now engage with EU policymakers to advocate for this dedicated funding.

African partners include:

  • Umuzi News
  • Radio Nigeria
  • the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation
  • CDS Egypt
  • Association des Blogueur du Bénin
  • The Zimbabwe Independent
  • the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, and the
  • Rwanda Journalists Association

If you or your organisation would like to sign the joint statement, please e-mail our Advocacy Manager at [email protected]

RNW MEDIA

Read the full joint statement and list of endorsers, here  

Luc Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso journalist Pagbelguem released after months in detention

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Luc Pagbelguem, a video journalist for the private television station BF1, returned home on the night of 17 July 2025, the channel announced, expressing gratitude to ‘all those who contributed in one way or another’ to securing his release.

Boukari Ouoba, Vice President of the Burkina Faso Journalists Association (AJB), has also been freed, according to several local outlets, including Burkina Yawana.

Both journalists were arrested in late February after publicly criticising the Burkina Radio and Television (RTB) and the Burkina Information Agency (AIB) during an AJB general assembly, calling them ‘propaganda tools’.

Their detention highlighted ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and the emergency measures enacted under the law on general mobilisation and public warnings

Their release, welcomed by fellow journalists and human rights organisations, coincided with the release of Lamine Ouattara, an activist with the Burkinabè Movement for Human and Peoples’ Rights (MBDHP), who had been detained since November 2023.

These developments are being seen as a positive signal for civil society, even as the country remains under national mobilisation with its accompanying restrictions.

AFRICAN PRESS AGENCY

This article was first published here

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‘Wide willingness to see Somalia re-emerge on global media stage’

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The Federal Republic of Somalia has marked a pivotal moment in its media development, with the Media Council of Somalia (MCS) making its inaugural appearance at the prestigious 2nd Pan-African Media Councils Summit, held in Arusha, Tanzania.

This landmark participation signals Somalia’s earnest commitment to fostering a free, independent, and pluralistic media landscape, aligning itself with regional and international standards of journalistic excellence.

The high-profile summit, which ran from 14 to 17 July, was officially opened by Dr Philip Isidor Mpango, Vice President of the United Republic of Tanzania, and gathered media regulators, professionals and policymakers from across more than 30 African nations alongside international partners.

The central theme, ‘Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa’, provided a robust framework for discussions on the future of media on the continent.

For the first time in its history, the MCS was present at this crucial gathering, represented by its dedicated official, Abdiqani Abdullahi. This attendance was not merely symbolic; it represented a strategic move towards formal integration into the global media community

During the summit, the MCS was granted observer status, a crucial preliminary step as it progresses with its official application to join both the World Association of Press Councils and the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa (NIMCA).

Speaking from Arusha, Abdullahi confirmed that the MCS has formally initiated this vital process, submitting its official request to join these influential international press associations. This action is a clear declaration of Somalia’s intent to embrace international best practices in media regulation, promote ethical journalism, and ensure accountability within its burgeoning media sector.

The engagement with these bodies is anticipated to provide the MCS with access to invaluable resources, training and collaborative opportunities, which are essential for its growth and effectiveness in a rapidly evolving media environment.

Throughout the summit, the representative from the MCS engaged actively with numerous media agencies and prominent leaders from various African nations and international organisations

These engagements were met with a remarkably warm reception, reflecting a widespread willingness to support Somalia’s re-emergence on the global media stage. Such interactions are crucial for building collaborative networks and exchanging knowledge on effective regulatory models, particularly as African media grapples with the complexities of digital transformation, AI and the persistent challenge of misinformation.

Key discussions at the summit revolved around the transformative impact of AI on journalism, the imperative of data protection and digital privacy, and comprehensive strategies for combating the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation.

Panels also explored the necessary evolution of regulatory frameworks to adapt to new technologies while steadfastly upholding media freedom and ensuring content moderation is balanced and fair.

Dr Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communications, notably reaffirmed UNESCO’s commitment to work with all Member States in Africa to strengthen media and communication regulations to uphold free, independent and pluralistic media – a statement that resonates deeply with Somalia’s current trajectory

Beyond the rich exchange of ideas, the summit also hosted the inaugural Annual General Meeting of NIMCA, which saw significant leadership elections. Phathiswa Magopeni from the Press Council of South Africa was elected as the new Board Chairperson of NIMCA.

Further demonstrating the growing influence of African media bodies, Dr David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, was elected Chairperson of the WAPC, with Ernest Sungura, Executive Director of the Media Council of Tanzania and the first Chairperson of NIMCA, elected as WAPC Vice-Chairperson.

Somalia’s participation and its proactive steps towards official membership in these international bodies are a powerful affirmation of its dedication to nurturing a robust, responsible and independent media.

This strategic move is poised to enhance the capacity of Somali journalists, strengthen self-regulatory mechanisms and ultimately contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry, aligning with the broader pan-African vision of journalism excellence.

The observer status marks the beginning of what is hoped to be a fruitful and long-standing association, positioning Somalia firmly within the global dialogue on media freedom and accountability.

BY ABDIQANI ABDULLAHI 

SOMALI NATIONAL NEWS AGENCY

This article was first published here

 

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Zimbabwean journalist Mhlanga’s trial begins in country’s capital

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The trial of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH) journalist Blessed Mhlanga commenced when he appeared before Magistrate Sheunesu Matova on charges of transmitting data messages inciting violence or damage to property.

Mhlanga is jointly charged with Heart and Soul TV (HSTv) general manager Olga Muteiwa. According to the NewsDay edition of 17 July 2025, the State presented evidence from Edmore Nyazamba, the officer-in-charge of CID Law and Order Harare, who stated that Mhlanga provided facilities to war veteran Blessed Geza to make utterances that incited a mass uprising against the government.

Nyazamba reportedly told the court that the journalist was communicating with Geza through X calls, which are private and cannot be easily intercepted. Mhlanga allegedly told the police that Geza arranged transport for him and his camera team to a venue where the interview was recorded.

Lawyer Chris Mhike argued that the State wrongly charged Mhlanga because he is not a director of HStv. Mhike told the court the alleged video does not implicate Mhlanga and that his client was being unfairly victimised.

The matter was deferred to 31 July 2025 for continuation of trial.

MISA ZIMBABWE

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Media freedom mission for leaders of World Association of Press Councils

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David Omwoyo, CEO of the Media Council of Kenya, has been elected President of the World Association of Press Councils (WAPC) , an association of press and media councils dedicated to promoting freedom of expression, independent media and excellence in journalism.

The global solidarity body is committed to upholding high journalistic standards, ensuring that public trust in media is maintained worldwide. As President, Omwoyo will lead the WAPC’s mission to advocate for press freedom, elevate media standards and ensure national laws do not undermine journalistic integrity.

Omwoyo, who was elected on the sidelines of the second Pan-African Media Councils Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, previously served as the WAPC’s Second Vice-President.

Joining Omwoyo in the new leadership are Ali Hancerli from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, as First Vice President, Kishor Shrestha from Nepal, as Second Vice-President, Ernest Sungura, Executive Secretary of the Media Council of Tanzania, as Secretary General and Turkey’s Dr Tamer Atabarut as Treasurer.

PICTURE: The newly-elected leadership of the World Association of Press Councils. Dr David Omwoyo is seated in the middle of the front row, with Ernest Sungura, second front (Media Council of Kenya)

The newly elected officials will serve a three-year term.

Omwoyo said his leadership will focus on global advocacy, engaging with governments, the United Nations and international bodies such as the African Union and the East Africa Community to promote press freedom

‘This development affirms Kenya’s prominent role and underscores its status as a global thought leader in protecting press freedoms and promoting media inclusivity,’ he said, noting his immediate priorities at the helm of the global media body will be ‘to ensure legislation and policies in member states safeguard professional, free and fair media’.

For East Africa, Omwoyo’s presidency signals Kenya’s leadership in promoting robust media standards across the region.

‘Kenya’s recognition on this global stage reflects our commitment to protecting press freedoms and promoting inclusive media practices,’ Omwoyo said. ‘We will work tirelessly to ensure media remains a pillar of democracy, both in East Africa and beyond.’

Under Omwoyo’s leadership, alongside the newly elected officials, the WAPC is poised to drive transformative change in global media landscapes, ensuring journalism remains a trusted and vital institution.

He assumes the presidency a day after being elected chairman of the East Africa Press Councils.

BY JERRY ABUGA and DINNAH ONDARI

MEDIA COUNCIL OF KENYA

PICTURE: Kishor Shrestha, former Acting Chairman of the Press Council, Nepal, and Editor of the Janaaastha vernacular weekly, published in Kathmandu, celebrates as he is elected Vice-President of the World Press Council in Arusha

This article was first published here

 

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Historic AGM: call for ‘continental approach, rooted in our realities’

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Outcome of the inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Network of Independent Media Councils in Africa

Arusha, United Republic of Tanzania

The inaugural AGM of NIMCA convened in Arusha from 14 to 16 July 2025 under the theme, ‘Advancing Media and Communication Regulations for Journalism Excellence in Africa’.

The gathering brought together 13 NIMCA media councils, as well as other journalism and media bodies, policymakers, civil society actors, academics, editors and international development partners from across Africa and beyond.

The AGM marked a significant milestone in the institutionalisation of NIMCA, following its formation in Cape Town in May 2024. Delegates agreed on constitutional provisions for the Network and elected its leadership as follows:

Zambia’s Kennedy Mambwe, the new Assembly President of NIMCA

NIMCA also launched its website and endorsed a strategic programme of action aimed at
strengthening independent media regulation across the continent.

Upholding media self-regulation and independence

Participants reaffirmed the centrality of self- and co-regulation in ensuring professional, ethical journalism that is credible, independent and accountable to the public. They aligned themselves with the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, adopted by the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in 2019, which mandates states to create enabling regulatory environments and encourages self-regulation that is impartial, inclusive and cost-effective.

Delegates called on African governments to repeal laws that criminalise defamation, sedition and the publication of false information, and to adopt legislative and policy frameworks that strengthen independent journalism and freedom of expression, support media and information literacy, and promote the safety of journalists.

Advancing digital governance and information integrity

Recognising the rapidly evolving digital ecosystem, delegates expressed concern about the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation, algorithmic bias and opaque platform practices.

They endorsed UNESCO’s Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms and the ACHPR’s three Resolutions on developing African digital rights guidelines for freedom of expression, access to information and information integrity, focusing on issues such as the accountability of technology platforms, fact checking, information integrity, public service content in the digital age, and access to data.

The meeting called for a continental approach to digital governance that is rooted in African realities, prioritises freedom of expression and embeds safeguards to uphold public trust and media integrity.

South Africa’s Phathiswa Magopeni, the new Board Chairperson of NIMCA

Responding to Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies

Delegates noted the increasing use of AI in content creation and news curation, highlighting the ethical challenges this presents for accuracy, transparency and editorial independence. It called for the establishment of regulatory guardrails and newsroom-level practices that uphold journalistic standards while fostering innovation.

Promoting gender equity and disability inclusion

Delegates committed to institutionalising gender balance across all NIMCA governance structures and promoting inclusive media regulation practices.

The Summit stressed the importance of upholding disability rights and emphasised the need for accessible content, inclusive newsroom cultures and regulatory standards that reflect diverse lived experiences.

Strengthening media viability and sustainability

Acknowledging the financial precarity facing many media councils and newsrooms, delegates called for increased investment in public interest journalism and the development of innovative funding models for media regulation.

Participants urged media development partners to support the strengthening of regulatory bodies and fund research and innovation that contributes to media accountability and resilience.

Call to Action

NIMCA invites all voluntary self-regulation and statutory independent news content regulatory councils on the continent to join the network and collaborate in advancing rights-based, contextually-grounded regulatory models.

In the face of persistent threats to press freedom and information integrity, the AGM concluded with a resounding commitment to uphold the principles of editorial independence, transparency, inclusivity and public accountability

As Africa navigates complex challenges in the information ecosystem, NIMCA remains committed to building a media landscape where ethical journalism thrives, self-regulation is strengthened, and the public’s right to accurate, timely and diverse information is protected.

The NIMCA AGM was part of the proceedings of the 2nd Pan-African Media Councils Summit, hosted by the Media Council of Tanzania.

East Africa: Media Council of Tanzania; Media Council of Kenya; Media Council of Uganda; Rwanda Media Commission, and Ethiopia Media Council

West Africa: National Media Commission, Ghana; Nigerian Press Council

Southern Africa: Namibia Media Ombudsman; Media Council of Malawi; Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe; Zimbabwe Media Commission; Media Self-Regulation Council of Zambia, and the Press Council of South Africa

For further information, contact:
Kennedy Mambwe: +26 95 0003333
Phathiswa Magopeni: +27 84 9001304

 

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Beninese journalist’s detention: result of ‘aggressive transnational tactics’

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The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on the Beninese authorities to release Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè, Publishing Director of the banned online Beninese weekly newspaper, Olofofo Info, following his arrest in Côte d’Ivoire on 10 July. He was then extradited to Benin, despite his refugee status in Togo.

‘The forcible transfer of journalist Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè by Côte d’Ivoire to Benin, despite his refugee status in Togo, sends a worrying message to journalists across the region,’ said Moussa Ngom, CPJ’s Francophone Africa representative. ‘He must be released immediately and unconditionally. Such aggressive, transnational tactics illustrate a cross-border collaboration to muzzle a critical journalist.’

On 14 July 2025, a judge at Benin’s Court for the Repression of Economic Offences and Terrorism (CRIET) upheld Sossoukpè’s detention in the southern city of Ouidah, pending a judicial investigation on charges of inciting rebellion, inciting hatred and violence, harassing through electronic communication, and apology for terrorism, according to a copy of the decision seen by CPJ.

Sossoukpè was in Côte d’Ivoire to cover a government conference when he was arrested. He has been living in Togo since 2019 and has held refugee status there since receiving threats in Benin, where he is from, related to his work.

Sossoukpè told Maximin Pognon, his lawyer, who spoke to CPJ, that four people identifying themselves as Ivorian law enforcement officers and a fifth as a ‘colonel of the gendarmerie’ asked him to respond to a summons. But Sossoukpè recognised two of them as Beninese police officers, Pognon said.

Sossoukpè said he demanded that they bring him before a judge, which they agreed to, but did not. Instead, they seized his phone and computer, took him briefly to an Ivorian law enforcement headquarters, and then escorted him aboard a plane that took him to Benin

Two people close to the case who asked not to be named for privacy reasons said that during the days before his arrest, Sossoukpè had alerted his friends that there were kidnapping plans against him.

CPJ’s calls and WhatsApp messages to Andy Kouassi, Public Relations Director of the Ivorian Ministry of Communication, and to Wilfried Léandre Houngbédji, Spokesperson for the Beninese government, as well as CPJ’s email to the Ivorian gendarmerie, went unanswered.

COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS

PICTURE: Comlan Hugues Sossoukpè was in Côte d’Ivoire to cover a government conference when he was arrested (CPJ)

This article was first published here

 

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Kenya’s balancing act: online accountability and digital rights

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Kenya is advancing legislation that would require all social media users in the country to verify their identities using National ID cards before accessing social media platforms.

The proposed measure aims to reduce online anonymity and combat issues like misinformation, hate speech and cyberbullying on social media platforms.

The initiative follows Kenya’s broader efforts to strengthen digital identity verification, including the country’s recent nationwide digital ID registration programme for secondary school students.

The move is part of broader digital transformation efforts by Kenya’s Ministry of Information, Communications and the Digital Economy (MoICDE), which has been actively implementing digital identity frameworks, including the recent launch of the Kenya Digital Token ($KDT) for citizen participation in the digital economy.

The development builds upon Kenya’s partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to advance its digital identity initiative.

The Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) has demonstrated a consistent regulatory approach toward digital services, as evidenced by recent enforcement actions against unlicensed tracking services. The regulatory oversight extends to the proposed social media verification requirements

The CA has recently been active in implementing new security measures to combat digital fraud, particularly in the mobile sector.

The legislation emerges amid ongoing discussions about digital rights and state control. During recent protests against the Finance Bill, authorities implemented Internet speed restrictions and detained online critics, highlighting the complex relationship between digital governance and civil liberties.

The developments follow a pattern of increased digital oversight, including the CA’s controversial directive requiring mobile phone International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) registration.

Implementation challenges may arise from existing barriers to National ID acquisition. Youth and marginalised populations have reported difficulties obtaining National IDs, as documented in public forums like the #SiasaYaID events, potentially affecting equal access to social media platforms under the proposed system.

However, recent initiatives have shown progress in expanding digital access, such as new regulation enabling refugees to access mobile services.

The Bill represents part of Kenya’s broader digital governance strategy, which includes blockchain-based digital tokens and enhanced oversight of digital services. The initiatives reflect the government’s efforts to balance online accountability with digital rights and access, while positioning Kenya as a leader in digital transformation across Africa.

MOBILE ID WORLD

PICTURE: Kenya’s digital National ID card is an important part of its all-embracing digital policies (Identity Week)

This article was first published here

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