- African journalists could not swallow the ordeal they went through during the just concluded African Union summit in the Ghanaian capital Accra. They described their ordeal as "media apartheid" perpetrated by the AU officials who barred hundreds of news-hungry journalists to access information.
Holding brief for over 350 African journalists who traveled to Ghana to cover the event, the West African Editors' Forum (WAEF) President, Souleymane Diallo, said it would be difficult to ignore the mistreatment of journalists, especially during the opening ceremony.
"350 journalists from all over the continent come to this gathering to report the event; unfortunately they were not allowed to do their job, despite being accredited by the organising committee," Mr Diallo fumed.
He said the summit took place in a bunker forbidden to journalists forcing them to rely on the erratic Ghana TV to get a glimpse of the news.
The 9th AU summit was designed a new relationship between the continent's media and political leaders, which was why a debate between the two was scheduled to take place. But this golden opportunity was allowed to slip by, much to the disappointment of the African people.
It is hoped that the debate, which was postponed because of the busy schedules of heads of states, will take place during the next AU summit. The African Editors' Forum (TAEF, one of the engineers of the historic debate, had airlifted 30 African editors to Ghana to attend the summit.
"Unfortunately, what happened during the opening ceremony reminded us that habits have long life, and that the relationship between the political leaders and the media will not be immediately cemented," Mr Diallo said.
Journalists were so annoyed that they decided to return what they saw as "useless badges" to the security in protest.
WAEF condmned the media aparthied or bashing, maintaining that no meaningful development takes place in the continent if the media is not given its right place in our society.
"WAEF denounces ostracism that shapes more and more media in the African meetings and invites the African leaders without a deadline, to put an end to this situation."
WAEF has launched an appeal calling on media professionals to double in strengthening media organisations, the only measure to protect and ensure freedom of speech and expression in Africa
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
front page
| news
| countries
| archive
| currencies
| news alerts login
| about afrol News
| contact
| advertise
| español