In a significant advancement for advocacy in press freedom, Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), has been elected to the 2026–2029 Council of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX). This election highlights a growing recognition of the crucial role that African voices play in the global dialogue on free expression.
Arogundade's election comes at a time when the challenges facing journalists and media institutions in Africa are mounting, including government censorship and violence against reporters. IFEX, a global network dedicated to promoting and defending freedom of expression, will benefit from Arogundade's extensive experience in media advocacy. As he stated, “This election is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the collective efforts of all those advocating for free expression in Africa.”
Looking ahead, Arogundade's position on the IFEX council could lead to enhanced collaboration between African media organizations and international bodies, fostering a more robust framework for protecting journalists. His leadership may also catalyze initiatives aimed at creating safer environments for media professionals across the continent, amplifying the fight for press freedom.