Liberia: Press Freedom Groups Call for Action Amid Gains and Violations
As Liberia marked World Press Freedom Day on May 3, media rights organizations delivered a dual message: acknowledging notable progress while urging immediate action against a rise in press freedom violations. The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) both highlighted the fragile state of media freedom in the country.
Coverage Comparison
Two separate reports from AllAfrica provided distinct perspectives on the World Press Freedom Day events. One report focused on CEMESP's statement, which emphasized both the gains made through legislative reforms and the growing threats to journalists. The other report covered the PUL's State of Press Freedom address, delivered by President Julius Kanubah, which centered on the essential role of press freedom in democracy and the need for reforms to protect journalists. While both sources shared a common concern for press freedom, CEMESP's framing was more urgent and focused on specific violations, while the PUL's framing emphasized the broader democratic importance of press freedom and the government's role in protecting it.
Key Claims
CEMESP, in its statement marking World Press Freedom Day, called for urgent action to safeguard press freedom in Liberia, warning that the country's progress toward a free and independent media environment remains fragile and at risk of reversal. The organization acknowledged that Liberia has made important strides, particularly through the implementation of the Kamara Abdullai Kamara Act of Press Freedom, which decriminalized libel and strengthened legal protections for journalists. CEMESP also commended the Independent Information Commission of Liberia for its efforts in promoting and popularizing the Freedom of Information law.
However, CEMESP expressed deep concern over a series of press freedom violations recorded in 2025, describing them as indicative of a troubling pattern of intimidation and abuse against journalists. The organization cited the assault of journalist Moses Garzeawu by officers of the Liberian National Police while covering a sports match at SKD Stadium in Monrovia, and the threat of arrest and intimidation faced by Daily Observer Newspaper Managing Editor Bai Best.
In a separate address, PUL President Julius Kanubah described press freedom as "the singular and most consequential of all freedoms," stressing that without it, other liberties cannot thrive. He reported that Liberia recorded multiple press freedom violations over the past year, including threats, harassment, assaults, and legal actions against journalists, citing incidents involving the Liberia National Police and judicial authorities. Kanubah also addressed recent tensions between the PUL and the Ministry of Information following the Union's April statement criticizing what it termed a "gradual erosion of democratic norms" under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.
Perspectives
CEMESP's perspective highlights the fragility of press freedom gains and calls for urgent action to protect journalists. The PUL emphasizes the fundamental role of press freedom in democracy and national development, urging reforms to improve journalist welfare and safety.
The government of Liberia, as reported by the PUL's address, has expressed commitment to protecting press freedom and strengthening collaboration with the media. Aliou Mamadou Dia, the UNDP Resident Representative, stressed the importance of strengthening press freedom and journalist safety, noting its significance for democratic governance and development.
While both CEMESP and the PUL agree on the importance of press freedom and the need for action, they differ in emphasis: CEMESP focuses on specific violations and legal concerns, while the PUL takes a broader view of democratic norms and institutional collaboration. These perspectives, while not in direct conflict, show the range of concerns among media stakeholders in Liberia.