Libreville: The Vice President of Gabon, Mr. Alexandre Chambrier, has emphasized the crucial role of African media in safeguarding the continent’s narratives during the opening of the 10th Executive Council meeting of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA) in Libreville, Gabon. Chambrier highlighted FAAPA’s significance in representing Africa’s status and telling its stories through its own words and images.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Chambrier paid tribute to journalists in Gabon for shaping public opinion, building collective memory, and supporting the continent’s journey towards information sovereignty. He commended the Gabonese News Agency (AGP) for its resilience and professionalism since its establishment in 1966 and expressed hope for the success of the FAAPA meeting.
The vice president noted Gabon’s ongoing political and institutional transformation under a Fifth Republic aimed at restoring the dignity of the Gabonese people. He stated that the Libreville meeting is occurring in a context of hope and national renewal, which includes a commitment to freedom of opinion, expression, and information.
FAAPA Chairperson, Mr. Fouad Arif, asserted that African news agencies must reclaim their role as the primary sources of the continent’s narratives. He emphasized the need for Africa to assert its uniqueness and vision amidst global standardization trends driven by artificial intelligence. Arif linked media sovereignty to overall sovereignty, describing FAAPA as a tool for coordination, exchange, and collective affirmation.
Arif further connected these objectives with the vision of King Mohammed VI of Morocco, who advocates for strengthening South-South cooperation through active solidarity and shared responsibility. He emphasized creating a competent, reliable, and trustworthy African news ecosystem.
Mr. Paul-Marie Gondjout, Gabon’s Minister of Communication and Media, urged FAAPA to end caricature news and defend its image and interests professionally. He expressed hope for the meeting to initiate a network for continuous education and innovation in African news production.
The Director General of AGP, Mr. Ghislain Nzuet, remarked that the FAAPA meeting symbolizes Africa taking charge of its destiny. He underscored the importance of Africa reclaiming its narrative in a rapidly circulating news environment. Nzuet praised FAAPA’s establishment in 2014 as a platform for consultation, training, and professional solidarity, contributing to a united African press.
The News Agency of Nigeria, represented by its Editor-in-Chief Mufutau Ojo, is participating in the FAAPA meeting, reinforcing collaboration amongst African media agencies.