We urge the AUC Chairperson, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, to stress the crucial importance of member states implementing the AUC Data Policy Framework. Data is
central to achieving the vision of the Digital Compact and should be governed in a manner that protects Africans’ fundamental rights and freedoms.
Digital rights
MISA Regional 2023 Annual Report (Now Available!!!)
In these precarious conditions, expression and truth-telling are the first layers of casualty, as nations recoil, become inward looking, focusing on narrow national issues at the expense of a holistic picture. Suffice to say the entire construct of humanity is highly vulnerable due to such inward-looking approaches.
Botswana President calls for solutions to issues affecting the media in Southern Africa
President Masisi, who was the guest of honour, paid tribute to MISA Regional, MISA Botswana and UNESCO for organising the event, which is now a mainstay on the regional calendar.
Press freedom declines significantly in Southern Africa
However, improvements were recorded in Tanzania, Malawi, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, and Angola. Declines were recorded in Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia.
MISA Regional submissions to the AU on the development of a continental AI strategy
MISA Regional has filed submissions to the African Union on developing a continental strategy on Artificial Intelligence. MISA has a model AI Regulatory Framework for Southern Africa from which it predicated its submissions to the continental body.
INTERNATIONAL DAY TO END IMPUNITY FOR CRIMES AGAINST JOURNALISTS (Statement)
A report by Citizen Lab in December 2020 revealed that at least three Southern African countries – Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe – had acquired surveillance equipment from Circles, an Israeli firm.
Prevent, protect and provide justice to end impunity for crimes against journalists
The Southern African region had in the past few years experienced an improvement in the media freedom environment. However, the last year has been characterised by democratic backsliding that has manifested in growing impunity for crimes against journalists and...
Judiciary must serve all, leave no one behind
“Chief Justices and judges, please allow me to bring to your attention that in Africa, as of 2022, only 36% of the citizens have access to the internet, according to the World Bank,” he said.
MISA STATEMENT TO THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN SOUTHERN AFRICA AT THE 77th ORDINARY SESSION OF THE AFRICAN COMMISSION ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS.
In 2022, we were optimistic that Southern Africa had turned the corner regarding attacks against journalists. However, we were jolted back to reality by the death of Ralikonelo Joki, the Lesotho broadcaster, who was shot and killed as he drove out of his work of employment. Before his death, Joki received death threats through social media platforms.
Regional governments commit to more openness as MISA launches press freedom report
MISA Regional Director Tabani Moyo gave a synopsis of the report, explaining that while there were improvements on some aspects, the issue of impunity for crimes against journalists remained a worry.