As the commemoration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on September 28, 2023 approaches, the Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC), Article 19 West Africa, and the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) are jointly issuing a call to action. We urgently call upon the Government of Senegal to adopt an access to information legislation, in line with the principles set forth in international agreements.
In September 2015, the United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a global framework aimed at achieving a better and more sustainable future for all. Under Goal 16.10.2, all Member States of the United Nations, including Senegal, agreed to “adopt and implement constitutional, statutory and/or policy guarantees for public access to information.”
Access to information is a fundamental right recognized in six African Union treaties, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights; the African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance; the African Charter on the Values of Public Service Administration; African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption; African Youth Charter; and the African Charter on Statistics. It is a right that empowers citizens and promotes transparency, accountability, citizen engagement, and inclusive societies.
Senegal is one of the four countries in the ECOWAS region without access to information legislation. We commend the Government of Senegal for its efforts towards this agenda, as indicated by the draft bill on access to information in 2021. However, we are aware that this bill is yet to be finally adopted.
As a respected member of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), Senegal has the opportunity to lead by example and fulfill its commitment to promote transparency, accountability, and open governance. We therefore use this platform to remind and urge the Government of Senegal to urgently adopt and implement a national access to information legislation.
Access to information serves as the bridge to sustainable and inclusive development. It is not only a target in its own right but also a facilitator for the realization of other SDG goals. Ensuring access to information by citizens is of critical importance, as it helps minimize the spread of misinformation and fake news, ultimately fostering trust between citizens and government.
In an era marked by trust deficits and unconstitutional changes in governments across Africa, strengthening the free flow of information between citizens and future governments is an enduring legacy that a leader can offer to their motherland.
Therefore, AFIC, Article 19 West Africa, and the Federation of African Journalists call upon the Government of Senegal to urgently adopt an access to information law, affirming its commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment.
About Africa Freedom of Information Centre (AFIC): With 51 CSO members in 27 African countries, AFIC is the largest and leading pan-African, membership-based civil society network and resource center that promotes the right to information, transparency, accountability, and inclusive development across Africa. AFIC holds Observer Status with the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights and maintains a partnership with the African Union Commission.
About Article 19 West Africa: The ARTICLE 19 is a champion NGO in defending and protecting freedom of expression. West Africa programme was launched in 2010 with the regional office established 11 years ago in Senegal to respond effectively to local and regional needs. It aims to provide timely and relevant support and contribute to strengthening national capacities of CSO, media, law enforcement officers and other stakeholders, advocating, building, and reforming institutions and policies to protect freedom of expression and the free flow of information. Across the region, it has been developing programming around civic space, media freedom, protection, transparency and digital rights.
About Federation of African Journalists: The Federation of African Journalists is the regional organization of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) affiliates in Africa, providing a vital collective voice in defense of the social and professional rights of all African journalists.
Based on our organizations’ collective experience and expertise, we are eager to collaborate with the Government of Senegal on this important journey towards a more transparent and accountable society.
For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
Contact
Pa Louis Thomas, Executive Director, Federation of African Journalists. louis.thomasi@ifjafrique.org
Alfred Bulakali, Regional Director, ARTICLE 19 Senegal and West Africa. alfredbulakali@article.19
Abdoulaye Ndiaye, Executive Director, Panos Institute West Africa. abndiaye@panos-ao.org
Gilbert Sendugwa, Executive Director, Africa Freedom of Information Centre, gilbert@africafoicentre.org;
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