By Fatima Zahra Muhammad
ASHENEWS reports that African journalists under the aegis of the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) have expressed concerns over increasing coups in African countries.
The group, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its President, Chris Isiguzo described the military takeovers as a danger to democracy and press freedom.
According to the group, journalists and media houses have faced threats in the course of reporting the developments following the coup in Niger on July 26.
“On August 3, 2023, the military authorities suspended the operations of France 24 and Radio France International (RFI). A number of both local and international journalists have since reported threats of attacks in the course of their work. The authorities have also cautioned the public against the use of social media to publish messages that might “disrupt” social cohesion.
“We call for calm and dialogue between the parties involved to return the two countries to the path of democracy and the rule of law. We also call on the African Union and the international community to launch intervention processes that promote peaceful settlement of disputes rather than actions that may aggravate the delicate situations in the two countries,” the statement added.
The statement maintained that democracy remains the best form of government, urging African leaders to promote meaningful dialogue, people–oriented programs, respect for the will of the people, and the building of strong electoral systems.
