...violence, deaths. Journalists were not left out as reports of various forms of attacks and intimidation were recorded. Its more disappointing to see that some of these harassments came from security personnel, protesters and thugs. .....2

Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) unreservedly condemn such attacks on journalists. We wish to make it clear that society must understand an attack on media and journalists is an attack on the people and on freedom. The role of media in information dissemination .....3

as well as development cannot be overlooked. Media’s contribution towards nation building earned it its position as the 4th estate of the realm after the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary. Journalists should always be allowed to carry out their duties without intimidation...4

The profession is guided by ethics that were carefully formulated to ensure balanced reporting, safety of citizens and development of society...5

The Media is a partner. Journalists are there to be the voice that amplify opinions. They should be accorded respect for the duties they carry out. Zhiroh Jatau Press Freedom Manager AMDF 10th August, 2024

*AMDF COMMENDS BURUNDI GOVERNMENT OVER RELEASE OF INCARCERATED JOURNALIST* The news on the unconditional release of Floriane Irangabiye by Burundi Government is highly commendable. Africa Media Development Foundation recognizes the move of the President as a boost to Press...1

...freedom not only for the Burundian Media but the African media as a whole. Floriane Irangabiye was arrested in August 2022; convicted in January 2023 and sentenced for 10yrs with a fine of one million Burundian francs. This followed a court trial that was heavily critised...2

...for being flawed. Her release brought great relief to journalist including Human Rights and International community. Irangabiye's charge of “undermining the intergrity of the national territory” sparked outrage amongst these groups who described the sentence as excessive.... 3

The circumstances to her impromptu release and Presidential pardon is still unclear, we are glad it happened all the same and we believe it creates an atmosphere for journalism to blossom and democracy to thrive. Floriane Irangabiye co founded Radio Igicaniro.... 4

....a Rwanda based online outlet that host exiles and expatriates from Burundi. AMDF reiterates its commitment to promoting press freedom and calls on African leaders to respect the rights of journalists as a fundamental principle of democracy.

2024 Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture brings to you experienced journalists across Africa to discuss "Censorship and State Control: Analysis of African countries where press freedom is severely restricted." Registration has commenced. Kindly register below forms.gle/2sJ5TFRYt3sTnm…

Follow the Africa Media Development Foundation AMDF channel on WhatsApp: whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va…

AMDF 6TH ANNUAL BAGUADA KALTHO LECTURE For some time now, press freedom and media growth in Africa have been stifled, especially by politicians and overzealous law enforcement agents, who are bent on having things go their way. Their intensions have been carried out through.... 1

....various means, including harassment to imprisonment, and equipment seizure to demolition of media houses. In line with that, the 6th Bagauda Kaltho Media Lecture which holds on 19th September, 2024, will x-ray the negative impact of censorship on the media, and examine.... 2

....the relationship between the media and state actors. The topic “Censorship and State Control: Analysis of African Countries where Press Freedom is Severely Restricted” is timely considering the strong desire of Africans to demand good governance and transparency from..... 3

....their leaders. Dr. Samson Omotosomhe of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Nigeria, who will present the paper intends to focus on African countries worst hit by this while analysing the effect on democracy. His paper will be followed by a panel featuring journalists from ...4

....Somalia, Kenya and South Sudan who will discuss the paper, drawing examples from what is happening in their respective countries, including personal experiences. As usual, AMDF will use the opportunity provided by the Media Lecture to present the 2024 Courage in Journalism 5

...Awards to two deserving individuals, Nigerian Journalist Gabriel Idibia of Daily Times Newspapers, and Somalian journalist Alinur Salad, founder of Dawan Media. These two have demonstrated resilience and adherence to the rules of the profession while under fire. 6

They have also displayed courage by returning to their journalism work despite the oppressive experiences in the hands of authorities and hoodlums in their respective countries. Bagauda Kaltho in whose memory the lecture is being held, was a courageous Nigerian journalist who 7

went missing in a mysterious circumstance in 1996. ..... 8