WINDHOEK: The Norbert Zongo National Press Centre (CNP-NZ) has announced that Namibia will be honoured as press champions in Africa at the 10th edition of the International Festival of Freedom of Expression and the Press (FILEP).
The festival commenced on Wednesday and will end on 21 October 2023 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, and is taking place under the theme: ‘Media, Conflicts, and Social Cohesion in Africa.’
According to a press release issued by CNP-NZ, Namibia has occupied first place in the African ranking for several years, and FILEP is celebrating this achievement through the presentation of a trophy and the recognition of all the African journalists who will be present at FILEP.
“The main objective of this 10th edition of FILEP is to mobilise media professionals and their organisations, defenders of freedom of expression and the press from all regions of the continent and the diaspora, representatives of African organisations and international, African partners, etc. within a framework of collective and independent reflection on the problem of the role of the media in the management of conflicts and in the search for social cohesion,” the press release read.
Ministry of Information and Communication Technology Executive Director Audrin Mathe in a press release on Wednesday said the Government of Namibia’s commitment to transparency and open communication has further solidified Namibia’s reputation as a free and independent press environment. He said President Hage Geingob’s leadership has gone beyond rhetoric, as the government has implemented policies and practices that support media freedom.
“Namibia’s commitment to open communication and its dedication to a free press have not only enhanced the nation’s democracy, but have also positioned it as a model for other countries grappling with the challenges of maintaining an independent and pluralistic media landscape,” Mathe said.
He further noted that the government has implemented policies and practices that support media freedom.
“Last year, President Hage Geingob signed into law the Access to Information Bill. Under Geingob’s tenure, Namibia has continued to protect journalists’ rights and provide an enabling environment for diverse and critical reporting, even when those reports were not favourable to the state.”
Source: The Namibia Press Agency