FAJ Hails IFJ World Congress Conclusions and Outcomes

The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the African regional organisation of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), welcomes the conclusions and outcome of the 27th World Congress of the IFJ, held from 24th - 28th May, in Cadiz, Spain.

More than 300 delegates from 120 countries attending the triennial congress, the IFJ’s highest decision-making body, mandated the Federation to implement a detailed programme of work and adopted over 50 resolutions to launch a campaign for journalists’ rights, and defend press freedom and trade union rights and devised strategies to shape the future of journalism in the face of a spiralling crisis in the media industry.

The situation of journalists in Africa was addressed in detail by the Congress, including the adoption of resolutions on the repression of journalists in Eritrea, the overall safety crisis and the culture of impunity in Africa, issues arising from attacks on the freedom of association, the situation of journalists in Cameroon, solidarity and support for Somali journalists, support to the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), respect for press freedom and protection of journalists in Africa, reinforcing campaigns against impunity in Africa and union development in Congolese media houses.

“African delegates have shown a staunch commitment to nourish the democracy within the IFJ and to make a crucial contribution to IFJ’s valiant efforts to protect the interests of journalists, quality journalism and to improve the economic and social welfare of all media workers” said Omar Faruk Osman, FAJ President.

Delegates representing journalists unions and association from all over the world took part in the world’s biggest, most effective and most representative gathering of journalists’ leaders. The biggest number ever of African delegates representing their national unions at an IFJ Congress, voted in unison decisions on union organisation and to intensify the fight for press freedom and trade union rights. Congress elected Younes Mjahed from Morocco as the first African to the position of Senior Vice President of the IFJ in the history of this Federation.

During the last day of the congress, four delegates from Africa were elected to the IFJ leading body, the Executive Committee, namely: Khady Cisse (Senegal), Foster Dongozi (Zimbabwe), Gustave Alex Azebaze (Cameroon) and Omar Faruk Osman (Somalia). This is also the biggest number of African union leaders elected to the IFJ top executive body with a global mandate.
The Federation of African Journalists congratulates the re-elected president of IFJ, Jim Boumelha and all the members of the new Executive Committee. “Mr President we have a high regard for the tenacity, strength and resolve to lead this prestigious federation of journalists” Omar Faruk said.

FAJ also salutes the IFJ General Secretary, Aidan White, for his wise, dynamic and inspiring leadership and for leading the struggle to continue to defend, protect and promote the interests of journalists and economic and social justice not only in Africa, but also all over the world.