It is a day that we celebrate each year with a particular feeling.
In 2025, world Press Freedom Day highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism. Under the theme “Informing in a complex world: the impact of artificial intelligence on freedom of the press”, the National Union of Journalists of Côte d’Ivoire (UNJCI) organized a caravan bringing together media and students professionals.
The participants, sporting white t-shirts with engaged slogans, crossed the streets of Cocody, in Abidjan, from the house of TV to various symbolic places. By this march, they expressed their attachment to a free, independent and ethical press in the face of the challenges posed by emerging technologies.
Artificial intelligence, at the heart of the debates, has aroused many questions. Journalists and stakeholders expressed their concerns about the risks of censorship, disinformation and loss of editorial control linked to the use of algorithms in the production and dissemination of information.
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Representing the president of the UNJCI, the vice-president Franck Ettien stressed the need to maintain the human dimension in the processing of information. “”Artificial intelligence is now essential. Our goal is to ensure that it remains a tool at the service of truth, not an instrument of control or manipulation.»
«Press freedom is conquered every day. The AI should not scare us, it must encourage us to adapt, to stand up. It is essential, and journalists must appropriate this tool“, He added.
According to the 2024 classification of reporters without borders, Côte d’Ivoire occupies 64th place out of 180 countries. A notable progress praised by professionals, especially since no journalist has been molested, imprisoned or killed in the country, according to the report. “”This progress is the result of better respect for human rights and greater responsibility for journalists“Said Bakary Sanogo, representing the Minister of Communication and Media.
-Among the major achievements mentioned is the effective application of the abolition of private freedoms for press crimes. However, the challenges persist, especially on the economic level.
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Cyprien Kouassi, journalist, deplores: “There are certainly advances, especially in legislation, but the living conditions of journalists remain precarious. Many are not remunerated according to the Convention, and it is inconceivable that our profession still rhymes with poverty.»
As everywhere in the world, this day was an opportunity to recall the essential role of a free press for democracy and development. If progress is recorded, the mobilization of Ivorian journalists remains strong to defend their right to inform and be informed, in a technological context in full change.
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As in the rest of the world, this day was an opportunity to recall the importance of a free press for democracy and economic development. Côte d’Ivoire, which has made significant progress in the protection of journalists, continues to strengthen its commitment to a free and responsible media environment.
This celebration shows that, despite the technological and economic challenges, Ivorian journalists remain mobilized to defend their right to inform and be informed.
Par Emmanuel Djidja (Abidjan, Correspondence)
05/05/2025 at 10:50 am
