Africa Freedom of Information Centre Launched
A
network of Freedom of Information centres has been launched in
Lagos, Nigeria to galvanise the campaign for the adoption of
access to information laws in Africa.
The new outfit, known as the Africa Freedom of Information
Centre, AFIC will provide technical assistance to civil society
organisations involved in various stages of Freedom of
Information work, including the drafting of access to
information bills, advocacy for their passage into Law,
implementation, litigation and monitoring activities.
The Aim
The decision to establish the Centre was taken by
representatives of 30 civil society organisations from 16
countries, including Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Togo Liberia,
Mali, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, Senegal, Benin Republic, Guinea,
Uganda and Kenya.
Lagos Declaration
At the meeting, the right of access to information was adopted
under the auspices of the Lagos Declaration. The participating
organisations expressed concern that Africa was lagging behind
in the global drive towards the adoption of Freedom of
Information Laws.
Consequently, the need to establish a regional centre, where
experiences garnered in the different countries can be pooled
and shared among civil society activists and which will provide
a platform for cooperation and collaborative activities among
civil society organizations on the continent was emphasised.
The Secretariat
The Centre is a project of the Africa Freedom of Information
Trust, AFIT, an organisation incorporated under Nigerian laws
and to be managed by a Steering Committee.
According to a release by Media Right Agenda, Mr. Edetaen Ojo,
Director of the Centre, said: “It is unacceptable that out of
about 75 countries around the world that currently have Freedom
of Information laws, Africa accounts for only four of that
number. We expect the Centre to tip the scales in our favour by
energising ongoing campaigns in a number of countries for the
adoption of such laws and launching fresh initiatives in other
countries.”
The Tasks
In line with the communiqué, the centre is expected to carry out
six specific duties. These are: assisting civil society
organisations in different countries to develop and implement
Freedom of Information advocacy, litigation and monitoring
strategies.
It will also build the capacity of civil society organisations
engaged in Freedom of Information work through training and
awareness-raising activities, provide support and solidarity for
national-level activities and efforts in these areas, among
others.
PR/QASIM/YINKA
