2013 World Press Freedom Index: Rwanda falls 5 places
In its World Press Freedom Index that was released this Wednesday, January 30th 2013, Reporters without Borders (RSF) classified Rwanda, governed by Paul Kagame, among the group of 'Africa's predatory censors'. The country has sunk 5 places compared to the years 2011-2012 and is now on the 161st place out of 179.
The association also lists Paul Kagame next to other African heads of state such as those of Eritrea, Djibouti and Swaziland, describing them as 'members of an exclusive club of authoritarian African leaders, some eccentric others stern, who hold their countries in an iron grasp and keep a firm grip on news and information.'According to RSF, in countries governed by these leaders, 'media pluralism has been whittled away and criticism of the head of state discouraged.'
Burundi fell slightly, ranking 132nd compared to 130th on the last index. RSF states that 'summonses of journalists declined but the case of Hassan Ruvakuki, given a life sentence reduced to three years on appeal, has created an atmosphere of fear among the media.'
In the Great Lakes Region, the Democratic Republic of Congo is the only country to have progressed on the Index. It is now on the 142nd place, 3 places above last year.
Finland, The Netherland and Norway still dominate the top-three of the Index. Turkmenistan, North Korea and Eritrea are at the bottom of the list as 'dictatorial countries' with the least press freedom.
Ruhumuza Mbonyumutwa
Translated from French by Jane Nishimwe
