-Protecting Journalists’ Rights and Safety in a Challenging Environment

To celebrate International Human Rights Day, the Africa International Human Rights Film Festival (AFRIFF) hosted a thought-provoking panel discussion, “Media Resilience in Africa,” on December 10, 2024, at the Goethe-Institute, 7 Anifowose, V/ Island in Lagos.

A panel session organized by the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria, in collaboration with the International Press Institute (IPI), packaged by distinguished group of journalists, human rights and media experts to examine the pressing challenges and strategies for bolstering press freedom and safety across the African.

The discussion underscored the vital role of the media in advancing human rights and holding governments accountable, despite the increasing threats and restrictions they face time and time again.

The panelists included Fisayo Soyombo, Founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ); Nompilo Simanje, Africa Advocacy and Partnerships Lead at IPI; and Kehinde Adegboyega, Human Rights Defender and Executive Director of Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria. The session was moderated by Blessing Oladunjoye, Publisher of BONews.

Nompilo Simanje highlighted the importance of having a lawyer for independent journalists. She stated that many journalists lack access to legal representation, making them vulnerable to oppression. The panel discussion emphasized the need for a free and independent press in Africa, and the importance of protecting journalists’ rights and safety.

Mr Kehinde Adegboyega, Executive Director of Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN), in an interview emphasized the importance of speaking out against the repression of journalists. “Let’s cry out loud, that journalists are being repressed while doing their job,” he stated.

Adegboyega added that journalists are simply doing their job by asking basic questions and holding the government accountable. “We need to speak out and fight for press freedom,”. He also highlighted the need for safety and protection for journalists. “Journalists need to be safe to hold the government accountable and to speak up. The oppressor cannot determine how we express ourselves.”

Adegboyega emphasized the importance of a free press, especially on International Human Rights Day. “The media should creatively explore opportunities and resources from digital platforms to ensure sustainability and independence from politicians,” he concluded.

Mr Fisayo Soyombo, an investigative journalist, in an interview shared his recent ordeal of being detained by the Nigerian military while working as an investigative journalist. He stressed that independent journalism is under threat in Nigeria and that journalists need to be courageous to do their job.

He emphasized that he didn’t have a personal issue with the army, but rather, the army had a problem with him.
Soyombo recounted, “I was simply doing my job as a journalist, but my captors were unaware of my investigative journalism background. Even after I provided proof, they still kept me in detention.”

He attributed his release to the publicity surrounding his detention. “If the information hadn’t gotten out, I’d still be in detention. Independent journalism is under threat in this country. To be a journalist here, you need to be courageous.” Soyombo stressed that courage is essential for journalists, who should focus on ethics, balance, and rigor in their storytelling, rather than worrying about the consequences of publishing.

Soyombo noted that he cannot live a normal life. “You can’t go to clubs or parties, and your address is easily accessible. Every time you publish a story that rattles the powers that be, you face new security threats. The analysis is ongoing.” He concluded.