UNESCO has underscored the critical role of journalism in advancing peace, security and sustainable development across Africa, calling for greater investment in information integrity and the protection of journalists as the continent navigates an increasingly complex digital and artificial intelligence-driven information environment.
Speaking at the African Union’s Second Policy Conference on the Nexus between Peace, Security and Development (Tangier Process) in Mombasa, UNESCO stressed that information integrity is fundamental to achieving lasting peace, security and development.
The conference was convened under the leadership of African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, and brought together members of the AU Peace and Security Council, senior African Union officials and representatives of civil society to explore strategies for strengthening governance and resilience across the continent.
Addressing delegates, UNESCO highlighted that journalists are not merely observers of events but indispensable partners in Africa’s development agenda.
The organisation noted that through accurate, independent and ethical reporting, journalists serve as society’s watchdogs, exposing wrongdoing, promoting transparency and providing an essential early warning system capable of identifying emerging tensions before they escalate into conflict.
UNESCO emphasised that credible journalism strengthens democratic accountability, counters disinformation and misinformation, and ensures that the voices, concerns and development priorities of citizens are reflected in public policy and decision-making.
The organisation also warned that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is transforming the information ecosystem, creating both opportunities and significant risks for media credibility and public trust.
It therefore called on African governments, policymakers and development partners to invest in quality journalism, strengthen media institutions and ensure the safety and independence of journalists across the continent.
According to UNESCO, protecting journalists is inseparable from protecting the public’s right to access reliable and trustworthy information, which remains essential for informed civic participation, conflict prevention and inclusive development.
The message aligns with the African Union’s broader efforts under the Tangier Process to promote a holistic approach that recognises the interconnectedness of peace, security and sustainable development.
As Africa continues to confront challenges ranging from conflict and violent extremism to disinformation and rapid technological change, UNESCO reaffirmed that safeguarding information integrity and empowering ethical journalism are essential pillars for building a peaceful, secure and people-centred continent.
