Stakeholders convened in Lilongwe to deliberate on promoting freedom of expression and ensuring the safety of journalists during the elections.
In his opening remarks, Media Council of Malawi Executive Director Moses Kaufa noted that election periods are often marked by heightened tensions and increased risks of violence against media professionals. He urged the Malawi Police Service to safeguard media freedom, ensuring that journalists can perform their duties without fear of harassment, intimidation, or violence.
“An attack on a journalist is not just an attack on an individual; it is an attack on the public’s right to know, an attack on freedom of expression, and an attack on the very foundations of our democracy. Therefore, we must recognize the critical role that law enforcement plays in ensuring the safety of journalists during election periods,” he said.
Kaufa also emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to create a safe operating environment for the media before, during, and after the elections, while calling on journalists to maintain professionalism in their work.
Guest of honour, Commissioner of Police for the Central West Region, Barbra Mchenga Tsiga, highlighted the challenges posed by the lack of timely information sharing between the police and media organizations, which hampers effective responses to threats. She pledged to continue providing internal training for officers to ensure they understand the issues of press freedom and recognize the vital role of the media in promoting democracy.
“I am glad to inform this gathering that we are working closely with the Media Council of Malawi and MISA Malawi to formalize the protocols for swiftly responding to incidents that threaten the safety of journalists. This includes providing protection during potentially dangerous situations and ensuring that any threats to your safety are taken seriously, but also supporting investigations of crimes against journalists.”
The commissioner also announced that the Malawi Police Service will sign a memorandum of understanding with the Media Council of Malawi to strengthen operational collaboration beyond the elections.
The meeting, organized by the Media Council of Malawi in partnership with MISA Malawi and the National Commission for UNESCO Malawi, sought to assess and enhance cooperation among key stakeholders in safeguarding press freedom and ensuring the safety of journalists. It brought together representatives from the Malawi Police Service, civil society organizations, and media institutions.
