On the occasion of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) has called for urgent action by African governments to guarantee the public’s right to reliable information as access to information is essential to democracy, peace, social stability, public accountability and people’s ability to take part in decisions that affect their lives.
This year’s theme, “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The Role of Access to Information in Addressing Information Disorder” speaks to a crisis already shaping public debate across Africa. False election claims, rumours shared in WhatsApp groups and AI-generated audios and videos are circulating during elections, conflicts and emergencies fuelling tensions and eroding trust. Secrecy and delays leave communities with fewer facts to verify, while barriers related to language, location and connectivity shut many people out of reliable information.
“Information integrity cannot be built on secrecy, censorship or attacks on journalists because these practices deny people unfettered access to information,” said Omar Faruk Osman, President of FAJ. “Governments must release information promptly and openly. Journalists must be able to report freely and safely, and the public must have the facts to challenge falsehoods and hold decision-makers to account.”
Related Stories
FAJ urges every African Union Member State to bring its laws and practice into conformity with the Model Law on Access to Information for Africa. States with access-to-information laws must implement and enforce them fully. States without such laws must adopt legislation that meets the Model Law’s standards. Governments must make information accessible in languages people understand and remove practical barriers to obtaining it.
FAJ rejects censorship and greater state control imposed through legal or extra-legal means as responses to disinformation, misinformation and hate speech. The pan African federation calls for strong, independent journalism, safe working conditions for journalists and media literacy. It is advancing continental efforts to strengthen information integrity and calls on digital platforms to be more transparent about how they recommend and moderate content.
