“Ensure Genuine Commitment To Media Freedom, Expression” -CEMESP Urges Gov’t

The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has called on the government to reaffirm its commitment to media freedom and expression across Liberia.
The organization’s statement,, which is in commemoration of World Press Freedom Day, emphasized the critical role of a free press in promoting democracy, accountability, and transparency in the country.
World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, with this year’s global theme: “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis,” serves as a reminder of the importance of press freedom and the need to protect journalists from censorship and violence.
In a statement issued yesterday, May 1, 2025, CEMESP’s Executive Director, Malcolm Joseph, highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by journalists in Liberia, including harassment, intimidation from state security, and legal threats, among others.
According to him, this year’s theme underscores the indispensable role of independent journalism in addressing global and national issues, including the climate crisis, while reaffirming the need for an environment that guarantees the safety, independence, and sustainability of the media.
He noted that in Liberia, the observance of this day is marred by growing concerns over the state of press freedom and freedom of expression under the administration of President Joseph Boakai.
Joseph maintained that despite the democratic promises made by the current government, several incidents had underscored the fragility of media freedom in the country, disclosing that security personnel have failed to take action or have even been complicit in incidents of violence against journalists, creating a climate of fear and impunity.
Joseph further narrated that over the past year, Liberia has witnessed a troubling increase in incidents of intimidation, threats, and violations against several journalists and media institutions.
He further cited an incident involving the publisher of the Hot Pepper newspaper, journalist Philibert Browne, who he said was summoned and interrogated by the National Security Agency (NSA) in February 2025 over a story involving alleged corruption in government.
Another incident pointed out by the CEMESP Executive Director was with FrontPage Africa Nimba County correspondent Franklin Doloquee, whom he said was also assaulted in Nimba County in November 2024 by individuals believed to be linked to a local government official simply for reporting on an alleged mismanagement of public funds.
He reiterated, “Media institutions have not been spared. In September 2024, the offices of Spoon Network, a vocal independent broadcaster, were vandalized following a series of critical commentaries on government inefficiencies.”
“The Liberia National Police failed to conduct a credible investigation, reinforcing perceptions of state tolerance for reprisals against dissenting media voices.
These and other incidents form part of a growing pattern of repression that threatens to undermine Liberia’s democratic gains and erodes the constitutional right to freedom of expression and of the press.
These actions not only undermine the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and the press, but they also erode public trust in the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joseph also revealed that CEMESP has, however, acknowledged some positive steps taken in the past year, including the increased engagement of civil society with media stakeholders in promoting safety for journalists.
Others are the reactivation of multi-stakeholder dialogue on the reform of media laws and policies, and the continued vibrancy and resilience of community radio stations and independent outlets, which remain key pillars of access to information for the Liberian people.
He maintained, “So, on this occasion, CEMESP urgently calls on the Government of President Joseph Boakai to recommit to safeguarding press freedom and freedom of expression, specifically.”
“We urge the government to guarantee the safety of journalists and investigate all attacks against the media without bias or delay, transform the Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS) from a state-controlled mouthpiece to a truly independent public service broadcaster that serves all Liberians.
Expedite the passage of key legislative reforms, including the Independent Media Commission Bill to ensure a transparent and accountable media regulatory body; the Community Radio Sustainability Bill to support the lifeline of rural and grassroots media, and the Data Protection Bill to uphold privacy and enhance journalistic integrity in the digital age,” Joseph asserted.
He added, “These actions are vital not only to Liberia’s democratic credentials but also to addressing the broader theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day. A free and independent press is essential in amplifying voices on environmental justice, holding polluters accountable, and educating the public on sustainable solutions.”
“So, as Liberia stands at a crossroads, CEMESP reminds all stakeholders, those in government, that democracy thrives where the press is free, independent, and empowered to speak truth to power without fear,” Joseph added.