Sections
DONATE
SUPPORT WWW.JOLLOFNEWS.COM
Account Login
IFJ, FAJ, WAJA statement draws attention to plight of journalists in I/Coast
Tuesday, 05 April 2011 14:56
Appeals for restraint in the raging conflictJollofNews - As fighting intensifies in Ivory Coast’s capital, Abidjan, three major journalists organisations have issued a joint statement drawing attention to the plight of journalists who are caught between the warring party’s quest for control of hearts and minds.
The battle for control in the Ivory Coast is causing untold suffering for thousands of people trapped in the country, especially the commercial capital Abidjan where heavy battle is raging as part of final push for control of the last remaining strongholds of Ivory Coast former president Laurent Gbagbo, who is refusing to step down after losing elections last November.
The statement issued today by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and the West African Journalists Association (WAJA) expressed “deep concerns” over the escalating war in the West African nation and the impact on civilians, including Ivorian and foreign journalists.
Amidst increasing death toll and reports of mass killing, journalists have been reported to be under threats and frequent intimidation by forces on both sides of the conflict “competing to manipulate news and information” the statement noted. It cited report by the International Red Cross Committee which says 800 people have been killed last week in inter-communal war between forces loyal to President-elect Alassane Ouattara and those supporting Laurent Gbagbo.
“We are very much concerned about the situation spiralling out of control, the threats against journalists and the manner in which warring sides are attempting to control the media information system of the country. Media has become gravely endangered by this fight for control,” IFJ President Jim Boumelha said in the statement.
National broadcaster Radio-Télévision Ivoirienne (RTI) is said to have become a propaganda tool after changing hands between forces loyal to Ouattara and Gbagbo.
Mr Gbagbo’s forces are also accused of trying to block news website they deem to be in opposition, the IFJ, FAJ and WAJA joint statement said, citing to an order issued by Sylvanus KLA, Director General and CEO of Agence des Télécommunications de Côte d'Ivoire (ATCI), a political appointee of the Gbagbo government.
“The War in Abidjan and the rest of the country has created confusions, chaos and a crackdown on journalists. Our fear is that when politicians turn their fight into a fully-fledged inter-communal war, journalists end up being divided at a time when they should be more focused on their job of informing the public and extending solidarity to each other in the face of serious danger,” said Omar Faruk Osman, the President of FAJ.
For his part, the president of the West African Journalists Association, Mohamed Garba, called for a stop of the violence and warned against harming journalists.
“We demand that violence and hostilities cease so that the lives of civilians can be spared,” Garba said.
“Using journalists and targeting those who refuse to take sides cannot be tolerated. We call on the warring sides to refrain from harming journalists whichever community group they belong to,” the WAJA president warned.
According to the joint statement, journalists in Abidjan are afraid to go out of their houses and workplaces for fear of being targeted. It also cited reports that pro-Gbagbo Criminal Investigation Department officers have targeted journalists for interrogation.
“FAJ, IFJ and WAJA call on the rival warring sides to show restraint, respect the rights of journalists to carry out their work in safety and stop interfering in media,” the statement said.
“In such situations,” it concluded, “international laws must be respected and enforced. The right to free expression and freedom of the press are essential to bring about a peaceful resolution of disputes over elections.”
Written by JollofNews
Jollofnews Poll
Who do you think should be the next President of The Gambia?
Follow us on Twitter
-
Anti-cuts protest at Clegg's homeUp to 100 anti-cuts protesters gather outside Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg's home in south-west...
-
Islamist and ex-PM vie for mantle of Egypt's revoltCAIRO (Reuters) - The Muslim Brotherhood and a military man identified with the police state...
-
Bristol Rovers Speed Merchant Could Be Racing To Posh(GamSports) – Peterborough United are thought to be one of a number of Championship sides...