What are the challenges of guaranteeing respect for freedom of expression in Africa?
FPT: Obviously, there are many challenges but they also differ from country to country. In some cases, it could be lack of understanding of the principles, and in others, a total disregard for them, which shows the importance of adopting a country-specific approach to this issue. As I mentioned earlier, African states are obliged to uphold the existing principles of freedom of expression. They have to ensure respect for the rights recognised by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and to support the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights in its work to guarantee the implementation of the charter. Moreover, Principle XVI of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa clearly provides that: ‘States Parties to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights should make every effort to give practical effect to these principles’. One should not be too pessimistic, however, as the progress and achievements made over the last few decades deserve neit
