MISA Mozambique reports rising threats against journalists in Cabo Delgado
MISA Mozambique, an organization dedicated to press freedom, reports an escalation in threats against journalists covering the armed conflict in Cabo Delgado, Northern Mozambique. The resurgence of attacks has coincided with an increase in hostility towards the media.
In recent statements made by the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Valige Tauabo, on Saturday, February 17th, during a speech to journalists after launching the "Sports for Peace" project activities in Pemba City, the governor spent approximately two and a half minutes issuing veiled threats against the press. According to MISA Mozambique, Tauabo went as far as accusing journalists of aligning with and making agreements with terrorists.
"During his speech, the Governor of Cabo Delgado accused journalists of recognizing only the values of terrorists, to the detriment of the population and the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) values," states a press release from MISA, accessed by TORRE.news today.
MISA's statement highlights that Tauabo is not the only official or individual close to the government to harden their stance against the media recently, referring to the speech against journalists who provide independent coverage of the Cabo Delgado conflict. "Moreover, on the same day, February 17th, a publication named 'Defense News,' which identifies itself as a 'Weekly Bulletin on the fight against terrorism in Mozambique,' published an article titled 'Terrorism and the Regulation of Media Outlets,'" the note reads.
The organization warns that the dissemination of pro-government narratives about the conflict could further tighten the noose around the press that stands out in the independent coverage of the Cabo Delgado war.
"Furthermore, a day before, on Friday, February 16th, it was the administrator of Quissanga, Sidónio Mindo José, who, while denying the occurrence of an attack and occupation of the district town of Cabo Delgado, referred to the creation of 'fake news about terrorism' by journalists, aiming to 'agitate the population' and 'traumatize communities,'" the statement continues.
MISA strongly condemns and discourages these and any threats aimed at interfering with and restricting the work of communication professionals covering the conflict in Northern Mozambique, highlighting it as a clear violation of all press freedom principles.
