Dear Fellow Africans:
The African Union joins the global community in commemorating World Press Freedom Day 2026, observed annually on 3 May, marking the anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration of 1991, a landmark affirmation of the essential role of a free, independent, and pluralistic press in advancing democracy and sustainable development.
This year’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace,” resonates strongly with Africa’s aspirations under Agenda 2063 and global commitments to peace, justice, and strong institutions, notably United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 16. It underscores the indispensable role of journalism in fostering inclusive societies, strengthening democratic governance, and promoting social cohesion across our continent.
The African Union recognizes that the media landscape is undergoing profound transformation. While technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, offer new opportunities to enhance access to information and amplify diverse voices, they also present serious risks, including the proliferation of misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech, which threaten social cohesion, democratic processes, and peace and security across Africa.
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In this regard, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) has intensified its efforts to address hate speech as a driver of conflict and instability. Building on relevant Assembly Decisions and Peace and Security Council communiqués, the African Union is advancing a comprehensive, preventive, and multi-stakeholder approach that links early warning, governance, and human rights.
A key milestone in this effort is the forthcoming launch of a Continental Advocacy and Collaborative Platform on Countering Hate Speech in Africa, which will serve as a coordination mechanism to strengthen advocacy, enhance early warning, and support harmonized responses across Member States, Regional Economic Communities, civil society, the Media, and international partners. This platform reflects the African Union’s commitment to addressing the root causes and manifestations of hate speech, while safeguarding freedom of expression and promoting responsible media ecosystems.
At the same time, we underscore the critical normative and monitoring role of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in advancing press freedom on the continent. Through its Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa, and the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information, the Commission continues to provide authoritative guidance to Member States, monitor violations, and promote accountability.
As we mark this year’s observance, we reaffirm the strong commitments made at the African Union Headquarters during the 10th Global Conference commemorating the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists on 2 November 2024. This important milestone serves as a powerful reminder that impunity for crimes committed against journalists remains one of the most significant threats to press freedom in Africa. It underscores the urgent need for sustained action to ensure accountability, strengthen protection mechanisms, and uphold justice for all media professionals who risk their lives in the pursuit of truth.
The African Union reiterates that freedom of expression and access to information, as enshrined in Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, are fundamental pillars of democracy, peacebuilding, and conflict prevention. A free and responsible press is essential to countering hate speech, exposing misinformation, and fostering informed public discourse.
We also draw attention to the gendered dimensions of these challenges. Women journalists face disproportionate risks, including online harassment and targeted abuse, which must be addressed through inclusive and gender-responsive measures.
In light of these realities, the African Union calls upon Member States and all stakeholders to:
- Strengthen legal and institutional frameworks to protect journalists and uphold media independence;
- Combat hate speech, misinformation, and disinformation through coordinated, human rights-based approaches;
- Support the operationalization of the Continental Platform on Countering Hate Speech;
- Promote media and digital literacy to build societal resilience;
- Ensure accountability for crimes against journalists and end impunity;
- Reinforce collaboration with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other AU Organs in implementing continental standards;
- Advance gender-responsive protections for women journalists.
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On this occasion, we pay tribute to the courage and resilience of African journalists who continue to inform, educate, and inspire, often at great personal risk. Their work is indispensable to shaping a future grounded in truth, accountability, and peace.
Let us work together to shape a future at peace, where press freedom is protected, impunity is eradicated, hate speech is countered, and the media serves as a pillar of democracy and human dignity across Africa.
