African media at greater risk

In its annual report on press freedom worldwide, the Committee to Protect Journalists highlights the Horn of Africa as one of the world's most dangerous regions for media workers. Speaking at the launch of the report in Nairobi earlier this week, the director of the East African Media Institute, David Makali, argued that harsh information laws and a lack of adequate equipment and training have left the media in sub-Saharan Africa ill-prepared to report on conflict.

Makali also pointed out that six out of the nine countries in East Africa are due to hold elections soon, meaning political interest groups will target unfavourable election coverage.