WAICTANet Statement on World Press Freedom Day 2025
As the global community commemorates World Press Freedom Day 2025, the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) joins voices around the world to reaffirm the critical importance of freedom of expression and a pluralistic, independent media—especially in the context of the fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) landscape , with a theme: “Freedom of Expression in the Face of the AI Revolution”
Across the Mano River Union (MRU) region, comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Côte d’Ivoire, press freedom faces increasing complexity. The 2024 World Press Freedom Index ranks Liberia 66th and Sierra Leone 74th out of 180 countries, reflecting relative openness but also highlighting structural weaknesses in protecting journalists and ensuring information integrity. Meanwhile, West Africa continues to witness alarming trends in online surveillance, disinformation, and shrinking civic space—all of which are exacerbated by unregulated AI technologies. “As AI reshapes the media landscape, we must ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of truth, independence, or inclusion,” said Peterking Quaye, Regional Director of WAICTANet. “Governments in the MRU region must urgently invest in ethical AI governance frameworks, support independent journalism, and strengthen digital rights protections for all, especially marginalized voices.”
WAICTANet believes that Artificial Intelligence holds transformative potential to enhance access to information, bolster election transparency, and drive innovation in journalism. However, this promise comes with significant risks. The use of AI for mass surveillance poses chilling threats to journalists, while the proliferation of deepfakes and disinformation undermines public trust and democratic processes. Furthermore, algorithmic gatekeeping by dominant tech platforms diminishes media plurality, and the widespread appropriation of journalistic content—often without fair compensation—threatens the sustainability of independent media outlets.
WAICTANet urgently calls on MRU governments, media stakeholders, and civil society actors to champion responsible AI governance rooted in human rights and data privacy. It is vital to strengthen the resilience of local and community-based media, promote digital literacy to equip citizens in navigating AI-generated content, and ensure fair remuneration for original journalistic work used in AI training models. These actions are essential to protect press freedom, preserve information diversity, and uphold democratic values in the digital age.
This year’s theme aligns directly with SDG 16.10, which emphasizes public access to information and protection of fundamental freedoms. As a regional thought leader in ICT policy and governance, WAICTANet remains committed to advancing inclusive digital transformation that safeguards both freedom of expression and media independence across the MRU region.
