Mauritania: In Nouakchott, 6 presidential candidates make a commitment to RSF in support of the right to information
Following its mission to Mauritania, which ended on 25 June, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomes the pledge made by six of the seven candidates in the 29 June presidential election to protect and support the press if elected.
During an RSF mission to Mauritania from 23 to 25 June, the organisation met with the campaign teams of the various candidates in the presidential election taking place this Saturday 29 June. Six of the seven candidates pledged their support for press freedom to RSF. They have declared that they are in favour of implementing the ten-point roadmap for the right to information presented by RSF.
Incumbent president and re-election candidate Mohammed Cheikh Ghazouani, as well as opposition candidates Hamadi Sid'El Moctar Mohamed Abdi, Biram Dah Abeid, El Id Mohameden M'Bareck, Outouma Antoine Souleymane Soumaré and Mamadou Bocar Ba, all told RSF that they wanted to work to improve access to information and professionalise the media sector.
"The willingness of the six candidates to act in favour of the right to information is promising. RSF calls on the future president to implement the ten commitments in its roadmap, and encourages professional organisations and independent media to cooperate closely to facilitate this move towards professional, free and pluralist journalism, reflecting the diversity and aspirations of Mauritanian society and improving access to information.
The six presidential candidates have declared their support for the implementation of RSF's roadmap for the strengthening of a free, plural and quality press in ten priority areas:
1. Establish a school of journalism;
2. Sustaining support for the media;
3. Ensure better governance of advertising revenues;
4. Ensure the independence of the public information service;
5. Strengthen the autonomy and independence of the High Authority for the Press and Broadcasting (HAPA);
6. To join the Partnership for Information and Democracy;
7. Combat impunity for crimes against journalists;
8. Ensure the protection of journalists;
9. No longer resort to the Penal Code in journalistic matters, and repeal all restrictive texts ;
10. Guarantee the predictability of the press law and promulgate a law on the right of access to information.
