The 60th anniversary training of the Union of African Journalists (UAJ) opened in Cairo with a forceful appeal for a ceasefire in Gaza, setting a bold tone for a gathering of young journalists from across the African continent.

Delivering the keynote address, Ambassador Ahmed Haggag, a long-time UAJ member and former African Union official, condemned the ongoing killing of journalists in Palestine and urged African journalists to take a united stand.

“To date, more than 100 journalists in Palestine have been killed in cold blood. These journalists were not only killed in the line of duty, but some were killed alongside their children, some even in front of their families. What is happening in Gaza must be condemned. We must take a stand,” Ambassador Haggag said.

He highlighted that Israel now ranks second globally in the number of journalists killed, according to the International Federation of Journalists in Brussels, most of them being Palestinian. Ambassador Haggag stressed that except for Palestinian journalists, no international media is reporting from inside Gaza.

Africa's Longstanding Solidarity with Palestine

The opening session reaffirmed the African Union’s historic support for Palestine, with Ambassador Haggag noting that the issue has always been first on the agenda of AU summits. He commended South Africa for initiating a legal case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over alleged genocide in Gaza and the West Bank.

He also pointed to the backlash African countries face for such stances. “Various groups that support Israel have imposed sanctions on South Africa and others, simply for speaking out,” he said.

In line with this solidarity, participants in the UAJ training will have the opportunity to interact with the Ambassador of Palestine to Egypt, as the programme explores African media's role in global justice movements.

A Pan-African Training Ground for the Next Generation

The three-week-long training marks 60 years of continuous journalist development by the UAJ. It brings together young journalists from across the continent, including JoyNews’ Emmanuel Dzivenu, to explore topics that blend traditional journalistic values with emerging storytelling techniques.

The curriculum includes sessions on:

• Economic integration and free labour organisation in Africa
• Soft power and the African identity
• Protection of African journalists in hostile environments
• Creating compelling digital content, especially short-form reels for social media
• Cross-border collaboration and news exchange

Ambassador Haggag reflected on his efforts as Egypt’s ambassador to Kenya and Ethiopia to strengthen media collaboration between East Africa and North Africa. He encouraged current participants to build new networks across borders:

“We ensured that Egyptian newspapers would publish weekly columns about African news, and Kenyan papers like The Nation would carry columns on Arab affairs. This is the kind of collaboration we must revive.”

Ghana’s Voice on the Gaza Conflict

Ghana, like many African countries, has called for restraint in the Middle East. In 2024, then President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo expressed concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, urging both sides to respect international law and protect civilians. He has reiterated Ghana’s support for a two-state solution.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, President Mahama said: "Ghana supports a two state solution to the conflict. A peaceful and stable Israel, coexisting with a sovereign Palestinian State. To this end we call for an immediate cessation of construction of settlements in the Palestinian territories."

Bridging African and Arab Narratives

In closing, Ambassador Haggag urged Egyptian journalists to connect more deeply with their African counterparts and vice versa. “You must collaborate,” he said, emphasizing that the future of African journalism depends on shared stories, shared struggles, and shared solutions.

The UAJ has also arranged cultural activities and sightseeing for participants to explore Egypt’s rich historical sites during the training.

As the war in Gaza continues to test the world’s conscience, the UAJ’s 60th anniversary training has become more than a skills workshop - it is a platform where Africa's youngest journalists are being encouraged to find their voice on the frontlines of truth, justice, and global solidarity.