Togo/May Day: Improving the exercise of and respect for press freedom

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Extract from the article: Chaque 03 mai, le monde entier célèbre la Journée internationale de la liberté de la presse. Une journée de réflexion pour les professionnels de médias sur les questions relatives à la liberté de la presse et au respect de l’éthique et de la déontolo

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Every 3rd of May, the whole world celebrates the International Press Freedom Day. A day of reflection for media professionals on issues related to press freedom and respect for ethics and professional conduct. In Togo, to mark this celebration, the Togolese Media Observatory (OTM), released its report on the state of the journalistic profession over the last 12 months, in terms of progress or setbacks.  The OTM has formulated recommendations for the occasion, which allow each actor to criticize himself, in order to improve the exercise and respect of press freedom.

 « This year's May Day highlights two imperatives, namely freedom of experience as a driving force for other freedoms and human rights, and freedom of the press as the keystone of the facilitating role of freedom of expression. Our report was able to highlight these essential points related to this freedom and especially in our recommendations, we took the liberty of drawing the attention of the authorities to this precious freedom of the press, which seems to be suffering in our country in recent years », said Fabrice Pétchezi, President of the OTM.

The Minister of Communication and Media, Prof Ayewouadan Akodah, commended all the actors for their commitment to free journalism, which remains a wise compromise between freedom and responsibility. « This document is a report that further proves that the work that is done on a daily basis is quality work that deserves to be consolidated. It has identified a number of challenges on which we must continue to work and the government will play its part. We are fully convinced by this report ».

The highlight of the 2023 ceremony was an open panel discussion on the theme: « Legal texts, a threat to freedom of expression for the media in Togo ». Indeed, some articles of the journalists' breviary would constitute a threat to freedom of expression and press and would risk being obstacles to the consolidation of the rule of law. The legislator refrains from extending the protection of journalists to social networks, a provision that seems to insert into the legislation a Trojan horse that would bring journalists into conflict with the law.

 « Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as the Driving Force of All Other Human Rights », the theme chosen to mark the day on 3 May, reinforces OTM's choice to implement the project « Promoting Freedom of Expression and the Media, and Protecting Human Rights Defenders in Togo » since March 2023, in collaboration with two other entities, namely the PANOS Institute and the NGO FAMEDEV. This project is funded by the European Union and aims to strengthen the capacities of media and civil society actors, to promote and protect freedom of expression and the media, and to support human rights defenders in Togo.

According to the latest Reporters Without Borders (RSF) report, Togo is now ranked 70th out of 180, with a score of 63.06. In the previous report, the country was ranked 100th. However, despite this progress in the world ranking, Togo still needs to make efforts to improve the press freedom situation on the ground.

Jean ELI