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.
Media freedom monitoring
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.
The State of Press Freedom in Southern Africa Report 2022 ( Now Available)
The rise of digital technologies has presented new challenges in terms of the legislative environments in the region.
Region should pay attention to shrinking civic space
The summit was organised by Accountability Lab, Ford Foundation, WFD, NED, Alliance for Finance Monitoring, African Election Observation Network, Christian Churches Monitoring Group, International IDEA, Kofi Annan Foundation, Southern African Human Rights Defenders Network, The Carter Centre, Zambia, the European Partnership for Democracy, the European Union, the Westminster Foundation, the African Election Observation Network and MISA Regional Office.Â
Malawi should rethink its broadcasting licence regime
The Spaces of Solidarity platform, thus, calls on the government, through MACRA, to address concerns of high annual fees broadcasters have to pay to the regulator. These subscriptions are pegged in US dollars and the recent devaluation of the Malawi kwacha against the all major convertible currencies has made the licence fees more expensive and unsustainable for broadcasters in the country.
Governments should come up with punitive measures for crimes against journalists
The event, which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, was jointly organised by MISA, UNESCO, the Government of Zimbabwe (Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services), Media Monitors and the International Media Support (IMS).
AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER An analysis of trends in AMBs for 28 countries over 11 years
Since its inception, the AMB has served as a trusted source of information on the state of media environments and key developments in freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and access to information in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.
MISA Regional Statement on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists
This year’s commemorations should serve as a reminder of the commitments made under the UNPA to promote a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers.
Shrinking of broadcasting space in Malawi threatens democracy, essential rightsÂ
Over 250 full-time and part-time media practitioners and support staff have lost jobs.