Journalists From Africa Condemn Killings Of Palestinian Journalists By Israeli Forces
By Desire Tshuma
A coalition of African journalists from across the continent have joined voices under the umbrella of African Journalists Against Genocide (AJAG) to condemn Israel’s intentional and deliberate targeting of Palestinian colleagues in Gaza.
AJAG, which was created by Nigerian broadcast journalist, Ireti Bakare-Yusuf brings together journalists and media personnel from over 20 African countries to join voices against Israeli genocide in Gaza which has slaughtered thousands of innocent civilians among them men, women, children and journalists.
Since the Israeli government and its military declared its genocidal intent against the people of Gaza, over 250 journalists have been killed – the deadliest period for journalists in the 21st century. Israel has prevented almost all international journalists from entering the area and covering the catastrophic humanitarian situation there. Therefore, the world has had to rely on the courage and tenacity of Palestinian journalists based in Gaza. The deliberate targeting of these journalists indicates the Israeli state’s clear strategy of suppressing the truth and silencing media. Without their voices, their eyes, their determination to inform, report and document the atrocities on the ground, the world would be blind to the full scale of Israel’s genocidal campaign against a besieged population.
“We hail from all over Africa, but have spoken in unison in a video, against the deliberate targeting of Palestinian journalists. We believe that our Palestinian colleagues in Gaza are being punished for simply telling the world the truth,” Ireti Bakare-Yusuf said.
“As Africans we know too well the ugly face of colonialism, occupation and apartheid. We call on the international community to apply sanctions and treat Israel as it once treated apartheid South Africa. We demand accountability and justice for our Palestinian colleagues”
Journalism is the lifeblood of truth. It echoes the voice of the people, holds governments to account, and interrogates the actions and policies that shape the lives of citizens. Reporting on the war crimes of the Israeli military and state is not a crime; killing journalists is a crime. AJAG demands that like all crimes, Israel must be held accountable under international law.
“The world’s silence and inaction make us all complicit to the murders of our Palestinian colleagues.
“We call on all national journalists groups and formations, along with the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) and other continental and international press groups to demand accountability and justice. African voices cannot be silent,” he said.
AJAG is sharing video and amplifying call and demand an end to Israel’s genocide in Gaza, NOW!
