Demanding the freedom of expression

Freedom of information is an important human right recognized by international law. It enables the public to get involved in decision making processes in sectors that affect them –be they public or private. In light of this, the recent deportation of Rwanda based scribe Robert Mukombozi by the Rwanda government as well as the arresting of Paul Andrew Mwenda by Ugandan authorities is a mockery of democracy.

 

Mukombozi - working with Ugandan newspaper the Daily Monitor was given five minutes to leave Rwandan territory and his passport stamped "PNG" or Persona Non Grata, for critical reporting.  It is not the first time that journalists have been kicked out of Rwanda. Congolese academic and journalist Idesbald Byabuze Katabaruka was jailed, released and declared 'Persona Non Grata'.

 

President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda is an enlightened Pan-Africanist who should not allow this in his regime. Being a member of the Commonwealth and having hosted commonwealth countries recently, he should be aware of the 1980 Barbados Commonwealth Law Ministers declaration that: “Public information in the democratic and government process was at its most meaningful when citizens had adequate access to official information.”

 

African leaders should not create information for their own benefit. Government information is a national resource generated for the benefit of the public who ultimately fund government institutions. Government officials are therefore “trustees” of this information for the people.

 

A climate of secrecy breeds mistrust, corruption and human rights violations. An expenditure tracking survey in Uganda in the 1990s revealed that during a five year period, 87% of funds meant for primary schools in Uganda ended up in the pockets of bureaucrats while enrolment remained less than 50%. Alarmed, the Uganda government moved in swiftly and begun publicizing details about funding through radios and newspapers. Public schools were obliged to post public notices on receipt of all funds. In five years, siphoning of funds dropped from 80% to 20% and enrolment more than doubled from 3.6 million to 6.9 million children. Information dissemination thus enforced greater accountability in local government.

 

Launching an onslaught on the media only serves to increase public mistrust of their government. When John Michuki-then Kenya’s security Minister barred media from giving live broadcasts at the height of the country’s post election crisis, all rumors against the government were treated as true. In the vacuum that prevailed for example, it was believed that Kibaki and Museveni colluded to bring in Uganda’s troops to invade ‘politically incorrect’ regions. Kenyans have not forgotten the link between the raid on the Standard Group and covert activities by Armenian mercenaries believed to have been state guests.

 

Africa’s media however ought to be objective. As Hillary Kundishora, A Zimbabwe based  scholar of Strategic Management observes: “The Rwandan genocide Provides the testimony of how irresponsible media can be so dangerous to the people it is meant to develop, especially when it is left in the hands special interest groups.”

Africa’s media ought to spur wealth creation by creating awareness of business opportunities in specific countries and Africa in general. It ought to speak against policies and moves that hinder productivity. It should strike a balance between reporting politics and development. It should guard against falling prey to manipulations by local and foreign personalities who have hidden agendas opposed to Africa’s development.

As Sibanda Mpofu, a Zimbawean citizen observes:“Many people condemn Mugabe for gagging the media. But what else should he do if the media outlets have been bought by foreigners and are being used to undermine the government? Should he just fold his arms and watch this?

 

Africa’s media is potentially one of the most powerful tools. It can help midwife the continent’s stability, sound institutions, wealth creation, and bargaining power. This can be achieved by providing vital information; availing a platform for dialogue, being an impartial watchdog, and celebrating productivity- all principle components of development and mature democracies. There is fundamental need for the Media in Africa to be catalysts in promoting self appraisal and defining of new partnerships with a view of positioning the continent to engage the world.

 

The tendency of government to withhold information from the people must however be strongly checked. If not, more African countries shall join Ethiopia, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Somalia and Eritrea at the bottom of the press freedom index.