Press freedom fight endures - 4 May 2009

World Press Freedom Day, commemorated yesterday on 3 May, is a very significant day on the African calendar. Not a day goes by that press freedom on the continent is not compromised in some way. Be it the jailing of journalists, the implementation of media laws that enforce censorship, the banning of media outlets when they speak out against corrupt governments - the list of oppressive restrictions is endless. Most journalists in Africa go above and beyond the call of duty, risking their lives to get the truth out in some of the most dangerous war-torn regions of the world. Those who have lost their lives and those who continue to provide coverage in these life-threatening regions are commemorated and commended on this day. Various African media institutes and watchdogs celebrated World Press Freedom Day this year through activities held on and around the day in countries including Mali, Ghana, Senegal, Somalia and Kenya. The World Association of Newspapers sent out letters to five country leaders to protest against the detention of journalists and attacks on journalists in their countries. Press freedom in developing countries is sometimes considered a privilege and not regarded as a right in oppressive societies. While an overwhelming number of journalists have been killed this year already and many remain jailed under deplorable conditions, the fight for press freedom still remains an enduring one with the hope that liberty may win in the end.