The Norbert Zongo National Press Centre (CNP-NZ) has announced that Namibia will be honoured as a press champion in Africa at the 10th edition of the International Festival of Freedom of Expression and the Press (FILEP).
The festival commenced on Wednesday and ends Saturday in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. It is taking place under the theme ‘Media, Conflicts, and Social Cohesion in Africa.’
A press release issued by the CNP-NZ states that Namibia has occupied first place in the African rankings for several years. FILEP is thus 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 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.
Meanwhile, Ministry of Information and Communication Technology executive director Audrin Mathe said in a press release on Wednesday the Namibian government’s commitment to transparency and open communication has further solidified the country’s reputation as fostering 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 which 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,” he stated.
“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 provides an enabling environment for diverse and critical reporting, even when those reports were not favourable to the state.” - Nampa