International IDEA supports African Union roundtable on African media and politics

The roundtable placed strong emphasis on the need to address emerging challenges such as declining press freedom, the rise of misinformation, the impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, and the shrinking civic space for journalism. Participants acknowledged the threats facing journalists ranging from low wages and legal harassment to physical violence and called for concrete measures to improve their safety and working conditions.

Speakers at the roundtable included high-profile personalities like Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; Mr. Erick Charles Oduor, Secretary General of the Kenya Union of Journalists and President of the Federation of Eastern Africa Journalists (FEAJ); Ms. Misako Ito, UNESCO Regional Advisor; and Mr. Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ).

Amb. Adeoye underscored the AU’s commitment to empowering journalists to adapt to digital challenges, uphold freedom of expression, and defend civic space, as outlined in Agenda 2063. He emphasized the urgency for AU Member States to protect access to information and ensure journalist safety amid technological disruption. Omar Faruk Osman, representing over 150,000 African journalists, praised their bravery and role as “fighters for democracy and guardians of transparency.” Similarly, Erick Oduor highlighted that democracy cannot thrive without a free, independent, and vibrant press.

A major highlight was the call to operationalize the AU’s Resolution on the Protection and Safety of Journalists, seen as a critical tool to enhance press freedom and strengthen democratic norms across the continent. International IDEA’s support to this initiative was implemented within the framework of the  EU-funded project Strengthening Pan-African Capacities for Electoral Observation and Assistance (SPEC).  

The event generated actionable recommendations, including the formation of a pan-African network of journalists to promote democratic storytelling, enhanced collaboration among national broadcasters, and the revival of the Pan-African News Agency to amplify African narratives. Participants also called for integrating civic and democracy education into school curricula and launching democracy clubs to embed democratic values early in life.

Policy directions included developing ethical frameworks for the use of AI in line with the AU’s Continental AI Strategy, to safeguard information integrity and support democratic processes such as elections. Participants urged the AU to adopt clear guidelines reinforcing the media’s role in democratic socialization, peacebuilding, and civic engagement.

The roundtable concluded with a commitment to produce a Policy Paper advancing media literacy in the digital age and outlining protections for journalists’ rights and welfare. These steps are vital to ensuring African citizens continue to access accurate and credible information amid the threats posed by AI-driven misinformation.

Through its continued partnership with the AU and its support through the SPEC project, International IDEA reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening Africa’s democratic resilience and fostering a vibrant, secure media environment.