The first Forum on Media and Development held in Ouagadougou in September 2008 successfully contributed to move reflection forward and to identify concrete proposals that were enshrined in a “Joint Road Map for Action” signed by the African Union’s Commission Chairperson Jean Ping, and European Commissioner Louis Michel.
Among the objectives identified, one of the most significant is the setting up of a Pan-African Media Observatory to be composed of eminent figures recognised for their independence in their sphere of competence. African Union Commission and European Commission, in liaison with media experts, have drawn up a first blueprint on the tasks of this observatory, its ‘modus operandi’ and the time-table for its establishment in order to gather concrete proposals, assessment and critics that can be taken in account before delivering a final project.
The Pan-African Media Observatory , with the key missions (information, observation, advisory, mediation), is charged with addressing claims and applications for remedy with the objective of settling disputes first and foremost through mediation.
This blueprint is a proposal open to consultation by all: media, NGOs, international organisations and every one of you until mid-July.
Therefore the AU and EU like to invite and strongly encourage you to give us your comments, your critic and your recommendations on this outline for a Pan African Media Observatory.Your contributions would be very appreciated and useful in order tomake improvements to this blueprint. You can comment either online (http://media-dev.org) or, if you prefer, by sending us your commentsby post. The dead-line for the consultation period is, a priori, the 15th of July 2009.
Joint Road Map for Action – pdf
First blueprint on the tasks of this observatory – pdf
