Stories about Media & Journalism from February, 2023
Beyond Jordan’s TikTok Ban
Jordan's recent ban of TikTok has sparked concerns over freedom of expression and access to information. Concerns raised as part of a broader trend of governments restricting social media platforms.
Undertones: Zimbabwe's cyberpunk cities fueled by China
Zimbabwe is set to become Africa’s first country with a “smart” capital city built from scratch. But many are wary of Zimbabwe becoming a surveillance state.
Bangladesh reassesses its Belt and Road Initiative strategy with China as the US offers a new alternative
After big promises made in 2015, China's belt and Road Initiative is taking a much slower pace in Bangladesh as a result of pushback from communities and the Bangladeshi government.
Georgia debates a foreign agent law, which critics say sets a dangerous precedent
The bill was tabled by a group of parliament members, formally from the ruling Georgian Dream who quit the party ranks last year and formed their own political party called People's Power.
Separatist armed groups’ fusion risks sharpening the political and security crisis in Mali
Mali's hopes of a lasting peace fading as the three main Northern rebel groups announce an alliance and pull out of negotiations with Bamako.
In Niger, over four in ten children lack a birth certificate
In Niger almost half of children are not registered at birth due to lack of access to official documentation services for rural people.
Papua New Guinea’s proposed policy could lead to government control of the press
"(The government) can run media organisations to bring its own message out, but it should never exert control over the entire industry."
Tanzania’s government makes headway in country’s media reforms
Political observers deduce that the overtures Samia has made thus far are simply a political game plan. While they have strengthened the opposition, they have nonetheless garnered her supporters for the upcoming elections.
Interview with Romanian anti-disinformation activist reveals disinformation campaigns often target refugees from Ukraine
The position of Romania regarding the war in Ukraine remains in line with the EU and NATO, despite pro-Russian destabilizing efforts. However, at general level, disinformation had become part of political discourse.
As Nigeria goes into a general election, a street reporter shot a documentary on the rising violence and insecurity in Southern Kaduna
The Street Reporter’s documentary is another angle on the events to shine a new beam of light on the killings and crimes against humanity perpetrated by some Hausa-Fulani groups in Southern Kaduna.
Can Angela Merkel's receipt of the Houphouët-Boigny UNESCO prize contribute to the reconciliation process in Côte d’Ivoire?
The former German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Côte d'Ivoire in connection with the Félix Houphouët-Boigny/UNESCO prize is a message of humaniarianism towards the duty of support for refugees.
India's war against a BBC documentary on Modi
The recent raid on the BBC offices in Delhi and Mumbai shows a pattern of using state agencies to target think tanks, NGOs, and media outlets that criticize the government.
Malian government expels UN Representatives in targeted move
Malian authorities expel UN representatives, underlining their refusal to accept any national and international criticism of their human rights record
Togolese citizens take their activism online to inspire action and responses
Youths in Togo are using online activism to ensure their voices are heard not only by the people, but also the government.
Cambodia’s prime minister revokes license of independent news outlet Voice of Democracy
"We believe that the closure of VOD would represent a grave step backwards for both press freedoms and the rule of law in Cambodia."
Undertones in Turkey: Earthquakes fan the flames of election season
Erdoğan’s leadership may be on the line, with compounding accusations of corruption, economic mismanagement, and the slow and inadequate response to the earthquake.
Can TikTok shift the digital landscape in Togo?
In Togo, government-backed internet access fuels a new generation of online users finding their preferred platforms for expression and entertainment.
In Turkey, the state resorts to censorship majeure
Rocked by a devastating earthquake, citizens in Turkey now have to also deal with censorship measures imposed by the state amid an outcry of public criticism.
Myanmar media two years after the 2021 coup: ‘Resistance, resilience, restoration’
"The international community must renew its commitment to Myanmar and protect and defend the courageous journalists who are risking their lives to report on the regime’s ongoing human rights abuses.”
Pope Francis's visit to the DRC: The Congolese are divided over the Pontiff's pronouncements
The DRC welcomes Pope Francis while the country faces new conflicts in the east, where the group M23 wages a campaign of terror
Every Friday, Russia labels new citizens and organizations as ‘Foreign Agents’
Labeling people and organizations as 'foreign agents' resembles Stalin's repressive regime. It is now being used to push dissenting voices out of the country.
