ACHPR
African Commission 011
Human and Peoples' nights
Human H.ights our
Collective Responsiuilitv
On the violation of the right to freedom of expression
Article 9(2) of the African Charter provides that "Every individual shall have the
right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law."
148.
For greater respect of freedom of expression, it is necessary to promote
individual's right to hold opinions, seek, receive and impart information and ideas
without interference or restrictions of any kind."!
149.
150. In Kenneth Good v Boteioana'', the Commission noted that expression is limited
to protect the rights or reputation of others, for national security, public order,
health, or morals. Freedom of expression is therefore not absolute. However, in the
2002 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa and expanded in the
2019 Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in
Africa made it clear that restrictions on fre'edom of expression" shall be provided
by law, serve a legitimate interest and be necessary in a democratic society."73
151. In Malawi African Association and Others v Mauritania the Commission stated
that 'the expression 'within the law' must be interpreted in reference to
international norms',74
152. Further to the above, the Commission in Amnesty International and Others v
Sudan observed that freedom of expression is essential to the development of
political consciousness and participation in the public affairs of one's country" A
higher degree of tolerance as well as a higher threshold are therefore expected and
Declaration on Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa, Resolution on the Adoption of the
Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, ACHPR/Res.62, 23 October 2002,
preamble
72 Communication 313/05:Kenneth Good v. Republic of Botswana (2010)CADHP, para. 187.
73 Declaration on Principles of Freedom of Expression in Africa, Resolution on the Adoption of the
Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression in Africa, ACHPR/Res.62, 23 October 2002.
74 Communications 54/91: Malawi African Association vs /Mauritania: 61/91: Amnesty International
vs/Mauritania; 98/93: Ms. Sarr Diop, Union Interafricaine des Droits de l'Homme -a~\\\B-~DfiO
vs/ Mauritania: 164/97 a 196/97: Collectif des Veuves et Ayants-droit vs/~'cf~J'i~aJA~lW9S~
Association Mauritanienne des Droits de I'Homme vs/Mauritania (200)CADHP, p.~a.Ern .- ~
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75 Amnesty International and Others v Sudan; also cited in Egyptian Initiative fi.IJJ' '1erso alt,' ig~.t~
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INTERIGHTS v Egypt, Communication 323/06, para 246
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