Togo’s High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) announced the conclusion of its suspension on accreditation for foreign news organizations, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). This action reverses a two-month suspension that had drawn criticism for being a violation of press freedom.
The suspension initially received significant attention when French journalist Thomas Dietrich was denied accreditation upon his arrival in Togo to cover political unrest related to a constitutional revision. Despite having prior permission to enter the country, the HAAC rejected his accreditation because it was supposed to be applied for concurrently with his visa. Following his denied accreditation, Dietrich reported being apprehended by hooded men, subjected to blindfolding, taken to a police facility, and then interrogated and beaten. Dietrich was later convicted of illegally entering the country and was banned from Togo.
The constitutional revisions, which involved transforming Togo’s government from a presidential system to a parliamentary one, have been viewed by critics as a maneuver to prolong the political dominance of President Faure Gnassingbe. Gnassingbe has held the presidency for nineteen years, assuming power after the death of his father, former President Gnassingbé Eyadéma.
Alfred Bulakali, the Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 for Senegal and West Africa, criticized the initial banning of Dietrich, emphasizing the necessity for journalists to operate without fear of persecution or expulsion, especially during the upcoming elections. He underscored the importance of transparent and accountable reporting in maintaining democratic processes.
According to Voice of America (VOA), the HAAC announced that the suspension of foreign press accreditations will officially be lifted on June 26. This decision reflects a step towards reinstating press freedoms in the region as the electoral period approaches.
For further details, you can read the full article here.