MONROVIA – In a reflection on the state of journalism in Liberia and across Africa, former President of the Press Union of Liberia (PUL) Peter Quaqua has warned that the act of telling the truth increasingly comes at great personal cost for journalists. In his recent commentary, Quaqua emphasized that “the pen that once illuminated darkness now faces the weight of fear, impunity, and political hostility. Yet, truth remains democracy’s ultimate defense.”
Quaqua described a time when journalists were seen as torchbearers of accountability, exposing wrongdoing and inspiring transparency. He lamented that in fragile democracies like Liberia, the same pen has become a target for victimization. “Today, in many parts of the world, and especially in fragile democracies like Liberia, that same pen has become a target of victimization. The simple act of telling the truth now demands courage and often comes with personal risk,” Quaqua noted.
Highlighting the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, observed every November 2, Quaqua explained that for many African journalists, the day is less a commemoration than a reminder of the dangers they face. “Too many have been attacked, harassed, bullied, or killed simply for doing their jobs. In Liberia, this reality is not abstract; it is felt,” he said, drawing attention to the persistent risks in the profession.
Quaqua acknowledged progress in Liberia, including the 2019 repeal of criminal defamation laws and the 2010 Freedom of Information Act. He said these reforms were hard-won victories achieved through persistent advocacy. “These reforms opened the door to greater transparency and inspired a new generation of journalists determined to challenge power with facts. Indeed, they signaled a bold statement for an open society,” he said.
Yet Quaqua warned that the struggle for press freedom is far from over. Despite legal protections, journalists continue to face physical assaults, online harassment, and threats of lawsuits. He cited the 2019 assault and death of journalist Zenu Koboi Miller, allegedly at the hands of state security, as a haunting reminder of impunity. “Too many cases of violence against journalists go unresolved. Investigations stall, prosecutions never come, and perpetrators walk free. Each unpunished attack sends a chilling message: that truth can be silenced without consequence,” Quaqua stressed.
The former PUL president also highlighted the modern challenges of journalism, including disinformation, digital manipulation, and political polarization. Social media, once a platform for citizen voice, has become a battleground for smear campaigns. Quaqua warned that “journalists are trapped between partisan narratives, accused of bias no matter which truth they tell. This erosion of trust threatens not only the safety and credibility of journalists but the very fabric of democracy.”
Quaqua reminded that freedom of the press carries responsibility. Citing Thomas Jefferson, he wrote, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.” He stressed that journalists must maintain ethical standards, warning, “When we exaggerate, distort, or publish without verification, we betray not only our craft but also the public whose trust we seek to defend.”
Self-regulation, Quaqua emphasized, is essential for the credibility of the media. Through peer review, ethical training, and internal oversight, journalists can correct excesses and restore public confidence. “Self-regulation is not a concession to government; it is a covenant with the public. It ensures that our freedom is exercised responsibly and that our pursuit of truth remains anchored in fairness and integrity,” he said.
Quaqua concluded by framing press freedom as a public good. He argued that attacks on journalists are attacks on society itself and warned against normalizing impunity. “When truth-telling becomes wrong, impunity becomes right. This is unacceptable! That inversion of values corrodes public trust and destroys every path to accountability,” he wrote. He called for a renewed commitment to protecting journalists and reclaiming truth as a cornerstone of justice and democratic governance.
For Quaqua, the challenge is clear: rebuilding an environment where honesty is valued, journalists are safe, and the public can rely on the press for accurate information. He emphasized that in Liberia, as in all democracies, the safety and integrity of journalists are inseparable from the health of society itself. “The challenge before us is clear: to rebuild spaces where honesty is not feared but valued, and where truth, however uncomfortable, becomes the foundation for justice and reconciliation,” he concluded.
