Africa-Press – Mozambique. Despite a slight improvement in Mozambique’s position in international press freedom rankings, the Mozambican chapter of the regional press freedom body MISA (Media Institute of Southern Africa) has warned that, following the October 2024 general elections, there has been a serious deterioration in the country’s press freedom environment.
A statement from MISA, marking World Press Freedom Day, celebrated every year on 3 May, notes that, in the rankings published by the NGO Reporters Without Borders, Mozambique’s position has improved. Out of the 180 countries assessed, Mozambique rose from 101st position to 105th. But on the ground, journalists found themselves facing a difficult situation, particularly after the elections, when they came under attack from both the authorities and from anti-government protesters.
“The electoral political context”, said MISA, “worsened the violations recorded throughout 2024. which are direct attacks on the legal framework that governs the mass media in Mozambique, including the Constitution of the Republic, the press law, and the law on the right to information”.
MISA added that this period was also marked by “internet blackouts, generalised disinformation and online hate speech”.
MISA said it noted “with expectation” the undertaking recently given by the government “concerning the protection of the rights of journalists, and the creation of a safer, more ethical environment for the practice of journalism”.
“In light of the current challenges”, MISA added, “we think it urgent that this commitment should be expressed in concrete actions, especially at the start of a new cycle of governance”.
MISA called on the government to prioritise “the revision and promulgation of modern laws on the mass media and on broadcasting which strengthen, rather than limit, the fundamental freedoms of expression, of the press, and of access to information”.
The current press law dates back to 1991, and at the time was regarded as one of the most liberal laws on media freedoms anywhere in the world. It has served Mozambican journalists well, and so there is considerable suspicion about attempts to amend or replace it. New media laws have been on the parliamentary agenda for more than three years, but are so controversial that they have never been voted on.
The major challenge today, MISA adds, is “to implement effectively existing legislation. Without political will, any legal advance will remain symbolic and ineffective”.
MISA also urged debate on “the new technological challenges, particular the impact of artificial intelligence, assessing both the opportunities and the risks for press freedom that it represents”.
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