THE AFRICAN EDITORS FORUM DEMANDS THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF FRENCH JOURNALIST ANTOINE GALINDO

Nairobi, Kenya – February 27, 2024 – The African Editors Forum (TAEF) is deeply concerned and
alarmed by the arbitrary detention of French journalist Antoine Galindo by the Ethiopian
authorities. Mr. Galindo, who works for the investigative news website Africa Intelligence, was
reportedly detained on February 21, 2024, after he stayed on to follow other stories after covering
the recent African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa.
TAEF condemns this act of intimidation and calls for Mr. Galindo’s immediate and unconditional
release.
We urge the Ethiopian government to respect press freedom, a fundamental right enshrined in
the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and essential for a healthy democracy.
TAEF highlights the following concerns:
§ Lack of due process: The reported details suggest Mr. Galindo was detained without
specific charges or justification, a blatant violation of legal procedures and human rights.
§ Chilling effect on press freedom: Mr. Galindo’s detention sends a chilling message to
all journalists in Ethiopia and beyond, creating an environment of fear and self-censorship.
§ Undermining of critical reporting: This incident undermines the crucial role independent
journalism plays in holding authorities accountable and informing the public.
TAEF therefore demands that:
§ Ethiopian authorities immediately release Mr. Galindo and return his confiscated
belongings.
§ The Ethiopian government guarantees the safety and security of all journalists working in
the country, regardless of their nationality or affiliation.
§ A thorough and transparent investigation be conducted into the circumstances
surrounding Mr. Galindo’s arrest and detention, and those responsible should be held
accountable.
§ TAEF stands in solidarity with Mr. Galindo and all journalists in Ethiopia and Africa facing
unlawful detention or harassment. We urge the Ethiopian government to uphold its
international obligations and ensure a free and enabling environment for journalists to
carry out their vital work.
Additionally, TAEF calls upon:
§ The African Union and international community to pressure the Ethiopian government to
release Mr. Galindo and uphold press freedom.
§ Media organizations and journalists around the world to raise their voices and demand Mr.
Galindo’s immediate release.
Journalism is not a crime and no journalist should be arrested, detained or tortured for merely
doing their job. TAEF will continue to monitor this situation closely and take further action as
deemed necessary.

 

 

 

CHURCHILL OTIENO
Chairperson
PS: This statement has been updated, at 2030hrs EAT, in the interest of accuracy to reflect the
fact that Galindo was following other stories, rightfully, after the AU Summit ended.

Note to Editors:
About TAEF: TAEF is the continent’s premium editors’ guild that represents editors and senior
journalists, whose primary purpose is to defend media freedom and be the leading voice for media
advocacy.
Contact:
Emang Mutapati – General Secretary. Email: emangb@thevoicebw.com

 

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