On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, Namibia reclaimed its previous top position on press freedom in Africa.
This is according to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index. Namibia last held this position in 2021 before being toppled by the Seychelles last year.
The country was ranked 22nd out of 180 countries worldwide, making it a leader in the region.
South Africa placed second, while the Seychelles dropped from first spot in Africa to take the fourth spot.
Cape Verde came third.
In response to this achievement, the Namibian Presidency reiterated its commitment to protecting press freedom as a crucial component of democracy in a press statement today.
“The media plays an essential role in keeping the public informed and government institutions accountable,” the statement read.
The statement added that the media is an important pillar of effective governance and should be assured that president Hage Geingob will guarantee freedom of the fourth estate for as long as he is the president.
“This demonstrates the fact that the strength of Namibia in press freedom is a function of the commitment of president Geingob and the government that he leads to upholding the values of the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia,” the statement reads.
It added that World Press Freedom Day provides an opportunity for the press in Namibia to reflect on its role in strengthening the quality of Namibian democracy by reporting accurately and fairly, consistent with their own self-regulatory code of ethics.
“For his part, president Geingob will continue to champion transparency and accountability as core pillars of effective governance and for the benefit of the Namibian people,” the statement reads.
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