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News Agencies Key to Africa's Growth – Gabonese Vice President
Libreville, Gabon, November 13 – GNA – Vice President of Gabon, Mr. Alexandre Barro Chambrier, has praised the role of news agencies in Africa's progress, calling them "essential for the continent's path to information independence and strengthening democracy."
At the opening of the 10th Executive Council Meeting of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) in Libreville, Mr. Chambrier highlighted that news agencies throughout Africa have a vital role in influencing public opinion, safeguarding collective memory, and amplifying the continent's presence in global conversations.
Thus, he praised FAAPA for promoting collaboration among African press agencies by facilitating the sharing of experiences, skills, and professional development.
He pointed out that this partnership enhanced the media's ability to contribute to national and continental progress.
The four-day gathering focuses on the topic: "News Agencies Dealing with the Increase in Press Violations and the Duty of Reporters."
This session will review the FAAPA activity report and action plan, the arrangement of training workshops, and the reconfiguration and enhancement of the website.
It will also determine the recipients of the FAAPA Media Grand Prize for the Best Video Report, the Best Feature Article, and the Best Photo, along with other categories.
The Deputy President, speaking on behalf of President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, stated that Gabon was honored to organize the event during a period when the nation was experiencing major political and institutional changes under the new Fifth Republic.
Vice President Chambrier mentioned that the change aims to revive the honor of Gabonese people, expand liberties, and improve administration.
He pointed out that freedom of speech and access to information are essential foundations of democracy.
The government of Gabon, therefore, acknowledged the media not only as spectators but also as key allies in the country's growth.
"The government relies on its journalists because it believes a free and thriving press is not dangerous to the Republic—it serves as its guardian," he said.
As part of significant political and structural changes, the Government provided an annual grant of 500 million CFA francs to private print and digital media outlets and incorporated 500 communication experts into the civil service to ensure job security.
Mr. Chambrier highlighted Gabon's backing of FAAPA's objectives and its dedication to functioning as a center for education, creativity, and the spread of knowledge throughout the continent.
Mr. Fouad Arif, head of FAAPA, also serving as Director-General of Morocco's Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), called on African news agencies to reassert their role as the "primary and rightful sources of African stories."
He mentioned that reliable journalism serves as the continent's primary shield against the proliferation of false information, particularly in an age where social media and artificial intelligence hold significant influence.
Mentioning the theme of the Meeting, Mr Arif stated that the platform provided a chance to consider how African media might reconcile freedom of expression with professional ethics and responsibility.
FAAPA, founded in 2014 in Casablanca, has evolved into a vital hub for education, cooperation, and professional partnerships among the over 30 affiliated organizations, he mentioned.
He mentioned significant accomplishments, including the African Centre for Journalist Training, which has educated over 300 journalists, and the establishment of specialized networks for fact-checking and photojournalism.
He observed that these represented FAAPA's goal of creating a unified, skilled, and trustworthy African media environment.
He also connected FAAPA's mission with the vision of Morocco's King Mohammed VI, who has promoted South-South cooperation, collective responsibility, and the sharing of knowledge to boost Africa's impact and unity.
The head of the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP), Mr. Ghislain Ruffin Etoughet Nzuet, stated that organizing the FAAPA meeting in Libreville highlighted Africa's commitment to control its future and share its narrative from its own perspective.
He mentioned that the AGP, being an active member of FAAPA, is dedicated to advancing media collaboration and professionalism throughout the continent.
He praised Mr. Chambrier and Mr. Arif for their guidance and unity, and recognized the directors-general of member organizations for their ongoing efforts in advancing FAAPA's development.
African media are no longer just observers; they serve as instruments of transformation and creators of advancement," he said, emphasizing that "the power of African journalism comes from its genuine nature, variety, and solidarity.
African journalists, he recommended, "should present the continent's narrative not by focusing on its hardships but by highlighting its successes, and leverage their platforms to educate, uplift, and enhance Africa's global reputation."
The FAAPA, based in Rabat, Morocco, serves as a professional network aimed at facilitating the exchange of information and enhancing the skills of African news agencies.
It facilitates the improvement of multimedia content sharing, career growth, and creativity in news dissemination among its member countries.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage
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