At the 17th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture, speakers issued a compelling call for urgent action to protect journalists across Africa from deepening surveillance and digital threats.
Held virtually and themed “Surveillance, Safety and the Silencing of Truth,” the event brought together prominent voices who warned that attacks on press freedom represent broader assaults on democratic values.
Angela Quintal, Africa Regional Director at the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), delivered the keynote address, spotlighting a “silent war” against journalists driven by spyware, metadata harvesting and transnational monitoring. Recounting personal experiences—such as her detention in Tanzania—Quintal emphasized the chilling impact of digital intrusion on source protection and investigative integrity. She called for continent-wide privacy laws, stronger digital safety protocols and recognition that privacy is essential to journalism.
Dapo Olorunyomi, CEO of CJID and founder of WSCIJ, framed surveillance as a systemic, institutionalised danger that has evolved from espionage to outright suppression of democratic discourse. He warned of an “intersection of interests” between governments, corporations and surveillance firms.
Fisayo Soyombo, founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), underscored the emotional toll and reputational threats journalists face. Sharing a student’s message of disillusionment, Soyombo criticised Nigeria’s heavy investment in monitoring technologies, viewing it as prioritising control over citizen welfare.
Quinn McKew, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19, provided a global context, noting that authoritarian regimes increasingly weaponise legal tools and smart city tech to silence dissent. She advocated for a global ban on spyware exports and urgent reform of lax data laws.
Sonja Smith, a journalist with the Associated Press, spoke to the gendered nature of surveillance, revealing how women journalists face personalised threats, including sexual intimidation and smear tactics. She urged platforms and donors to recognise the disproportionate dangers faced by rural and female journalists.
Motunrayo Alaka, Executive Director of WSCIJ, closed the session by emphasising that surveillance is not just a journalistic concern but a societal threat. She highlighted WSCIJ’s ongoing efforts, from forums on civic space to mental health and psychosocial support for reporters. Alaka called on editors and media owners to step up their leadership roles in defending press freedom and civic dialogue.
Now in its 17th edition, the Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture continues its legacy of tackling pressing public interest issues, from electoral reform and security to education and corruption. Named in honour of Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, who celebrated his 91st birthday this year, the lecture remains a vital platform for advancing policy and media freedom.
