Angolan Journalists Face Barriers to Information Access

On Press Freedom Day, Angola's main opposition party, UNITA, voiced concerns over violations of fundamental rights and freedoms of authorities, end, persecution, journalists, activi by state agents. UNITA called on authorities to end persecution, censorship, coercion, and arbitrary arrests of journalists, political leaders, and civic activists for exercising their constitutionally enshrined freedoms.

Why this matters: The ability of journalists to access information and report freely is crucial for holding those in power accountable and ensuring that citizens are informed about important issues. Restrictions on press freedom can have far-reaching consequences, including the erosion of democratic values and the spread of misinformation.

The ruling party, MPLA, also participated in the event, expressing hope for a free press and urging journalists to focus on environmental issues while exercising responsible journalism guided by ethics and professional deontology. "The MPLA recognizes that only with the exercise of free, impartial, plural and responsible journalism is it possible to promote and maintain peace and the inalienable values of the democratic rule of law," the party stated.

Despite the challenges faced by journalists in Angola, the country has made progress in press freedom rankings. According to Reporters Without Borders, Angola rose 21 positions to 104th place in the 2024 World Press Freedom Index, up from 125th in 2023. This improvement bucks the downward trend observed in other Portuguese-speaking countries.

TheSouthern Africa Litigation Centre(SALC) expressed solidarity with journalists and media professionals on World Press Freedom Day, emphasizing the crucial role of press freedom in promoting democracy and human rights. The organization highlighted the challenges journalists face in gathering and sharing information about polarizing issues such as politics, climate change, war, terrorism, and inequality.

Misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to public debate, informed decision-making, and democratic processes, particularly in the context of climate change. The Africa Centre for Strategic Studies reports that at least 39 African countries have been targeted by disinformation campaigns, with nearly 60% originating from foreign actors. These campaigns have been used to influence elections in countries like Kenya in 2022 and Nigeria in 2023.

SALC has supported landmark cases that seek to defend and expand press freedom in the region. "The press is not just a fundamental aspect of democracy but also serves as a watchful guardian of human rights, holding those in power accountable and providing a voice for those who may not have one," the organization stated. It called for collaborative efforts to create a future where press freedom is a lived reality for all, not just a principle celebrated once a year.

As Angola continues to navigate the challenges of ensuring press freedom and access to information, the calls from both opposition and ruling parties serve as a reminder of the critical role journalists play in upholding democracy and human rights. The progress made in press freedom rankings offers hope for further improvements, but the fight against disinformation and the protection of journalists' rights remain ongoing struggles in Angola and across the African continent.

Key Takeaways

• Angola's opposition party UNITA calls for end to persecution of journalists and civic activists.
• Press freedom is crucial for holding those in power accountable and ensuring informed citizens.
• Angola rises 21 positions to 104th in 2024 World Press Freedom Index, bucking regional trend.
• Misinformation and disinformation pose significant threats to democracy and human rights in Africa.
• SALC calls for collaborative efforts to defend and expand press freedom in the region.