In a significant move to bolster press freedom across Eastern Africa, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ), in collaboration with UNESCO, convened the first-ever Eastern Africa Legal Defence Roundtable from May 19 to 21, 2025, in Nairobi.
This landmark event aimed to enhance legal protections for journalists facing increasing threats in Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda.
A Roundtable by UNESCO to Protect Journalists in East Africa
The roundtable brought together legal professionals, media rights advocates, and journalist union representatives.
They addressed the escalating misuse of legal systems to suppress independent journalism.
Discussions focused on identifying legislative gaps and exploring regional legal instruments to safeguard media freedom.
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Press Freedom: Growing Challenges in East Africa
Misako Ito, UNESCO’s Regional Advisor for Communication and Information in Africa, emphasized the urgency of the initiative.
He highlighted the growing challenges journalists face, including arbitrary arrests and cyberbullying.
Omar Faruk Osman, NUSOJ Secretary General, stressed the importance of regional solidarity in combating legal repression against journalists.
The roundtable also spotlighted the unique challenges faced by women journalists, who often encounter heightened risks due to gender-based discrimination.
By fostering cross-border collaboration and legal support networks, this initiative marks a pivotal step towards ensuring press freedom and safety of journalists in Eastern Africa.
Source: UNESCO
