ACCRA, (May 18, 2024)-The Eastern Africa Editors Society (EAES) is pleased to announce the election of Deodatus Balile, of the Tanzania Editors Forum, as its President for the term 2024-2025.
Additionally, Fitihawok Yewondwossn of the Editors Guild of Ethiopia has been elected as Vice President for the same period.
The announcement was made following the EAES Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Accra, Ghana, on the sidelines of the Africa Media Convention III.
In his inaugural address, President Deodatus Balile emphasized the critical importance of access to information as a fundamental right that enables the realization of other rights.
He expressed the EAES's commitment to ensuring that this right is enjoyed by citizens across Eastern Africa and beyond, through the flourishing of robust and sustainable media houses.
President Balile underscored the need for collaboration with governments, political parties, civil societies, and the international community to facilitate media sustainability, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement over antagonism.
The AGM, attended by members from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia's editors' bodies, deliberated on various issues affecting the welfare of journalists in the region.
These discussions included challenges arising from falling revenues, regulatory hurdles, and the imperative for innovation in journalism.
The EAES remains committed to addressing these challenges and fostering an environment conducive to the practice of journalism that upholds democratic principles and serves the public interest.
President Balile appreciated his predecessor, Daniel Kalinaki of the Uganda Editors Guild for his sturdy leadership and for guiding regional editors in building democratic societies in Eastern Africa.
