ASF France, Partners Spotlight Online Free Speech in the Global South on World Press Freedom Day 2025
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
As countries around the world marked World Press Freedom Day 2025, Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France) joined forces with key digital rights and media advocacy groups to raise urgent concerns about the state of online freedom of expression in the Global South.
At a high-level webinar held on May 5, 2025, and titled “Freedom of Expression Online in the Global South,” ASF France collaborated with the West African Digital Rights Defenders Coalition, the Human Rights Journalists Network Nigeria (HRJN), and Article 19 to explore growing threats to digital freedoms across Africa.
The event drew participation from journalists, activists, and civil society leaders committed to defending press freedom amid a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The webinar was part of broader activities marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day, themed “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis.” While the global theme focuses on journalism’s role in confronting environmental challenges, the Nigerian-led virtual event highlighted the pressing issue of digital repression, including state surveillance, internet shutdowns, and restrictive laws that continue to curtail freedom of expression online.
Speaking during the event, Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, ASF France’s Country Director in Nigeria, emphasized the indispensable role of the press in democratic societies.
“The press exists to hold power to account and give voice to the people, it is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. We must work tirelessly to ensure that press freedom is fully realized in the Global South,” she said.
Also speaking was Sadibou Marong, Director of Reporters Sans Frontières (RSF) Sub-Saharan Africa, who called for stronger mechanisms to protect media practitioners.
“Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right and we must protect it at all costs. We must hold perpetrators of press freedom violations to account and engage with authorities to improve the media landscape,” he stated.
Despite constitutional provisions guaranteeing free speech, Nigeria continues to face a shrinking civic space, with journalists often targeted through harassment, arrests, and digital surveillance. Repressive legislation, particularly provisions within the Cybercrime Act, further undermine the ability of the media to operate freely both online and offline.
ASF France used the occasion to call on the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to prioritize journalist safety, reform laws restricting free speech, and create an enabling environment for independent journalism and digital expression.
The organization also highlighted its ongoing efforts through the e-RIGHTS Project, which promotes online freedom of expression, digital rights, and data protection in Nigeria.
“A free press is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right and a pillar of democracy,” Uzoma-Iwuchukwu affirmed.
As the world continues to navigate complex digital and environmental challenges, the event served as a powerful reminder of the need to safeguard both the media and the digital spaces where modern journalism now operates.
