AMDF Press Freedom

https://thenewsicon.com/2025/09/16/africa-media-development-foundation-holds-bagauda-kaltho-media-lecture-in-kaduna/

*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 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 for being flawed.

Her release brought great relief among the Human Rights Community, Journalists 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.

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 , 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.

Zhiroh Jatau
Press Freedom Manager
AMDF
19th August, 2024

AMDF CALLS FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF SOMALIAN JOURNALIST, ALINUR SALAD

Africa Media Development Foundation calls for the immediate release of Somalian journalist Alinur Salad and founder of Dawan Media. Reports reaching us indicate that he has being held for over 48 hours and yet to charged to court. After investigation, we gather that Alinur Salad was detained and held at the Waberi District of Banadir Region of Mogadishu, Somalia.

According to a statement by the Banadir Regional Police Alinur Salad Hassan, 38 was arrested on allegations of “immorality, false reporting, and insulting the armed forces. The police who are investigating Alinur assured of bringing him before a competent court and they are yet to do so.

Before establishing Dawan Media, Alinur Salad served as the Director of communications at the office of the Prime Minister of Somalia. He also worked for BBC Somali in Mogadishu.

Journalists at Dawan Media told AMDF that they have been receiving threats in the past due to their critical coverage of the government.

This form of intimidation is highly discouraged as it impedes on the fundamental human rights of journalists and press freedom. Journalists play an essential role in uncovering the truth, holding those in power accountable, and ensuring that citizens are informed about the realities affecting their lives. Suppressing the media not only undermines these values but also erodes public trust and transparency.

We urge president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to order the release of Alinur Salad immediately and ensure that journalists can work without fear of retribution or intimidation. The media is not an enemy but a cornerstone of democracy.

Zhiroh Jatau
Manager, Press Freedom
AMDF
24th July, 2024