Resumption Of Haiti's Independent Political Radio Program : A Victory For Press Freedom Over Arbitrariness

Resumption Of Haiti's Independent Political Radio Program : A Victory For Press Freedom Over Arbitrariness

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti - SOS Journalistes welcomes the resumption of an independent political program on Radio Mega after months of forced and illegal suspension at the instigation of the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT), currently in power in Haiti.

According to a note from the National Council of Telecommunication (known as CONATEL), dated November 22, 2024, Radio Mega was using its frequency for "the purpose of massively broadcasting propaganda in support of armed groups sowing terror throughout the capital."

In the note, which SOS Journalistes had described as regrettable, shameful, and despicable, CONATEL ordered Radio Mega to immediately suspend the program Exchanging Words (Boukante Lapawòl) and also threatened to suspend the concession granted to it, which authorizes it to operate.

The resumption of the independent political program Exchanging Words (Boukante Lapawòl) is proof that the non-negotiable struggle for freedom of the press and expression, as well as for democratic achievements in general, still deserves to be fought to the bitter end and relentlessly.

SOS Journalistes, which had promised to force authorities to reverse the government's repressive decision, thanks all those who contributed in their own way to help compel the CPT and the government of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé to finally see reason.

SOS Journalistes, despite the persistent arbitrary tendencies within the current government, encourages the Presidential Transitional Council and the government to continue to demonstrate openness and political tolerance, essential to the primacy of democratic order over the repugnant arbitrariness of a past that is forever gone, but for which some of our leaders still remain nostalgic.

SOS Journalistes continues to remind all journalists and media outlets of their obligation to observe, at all times and in all matters, the professional ethics that guarantee the responsible exercise of freedom of the press and expression.

Done in Port-au-Prince, Monday, July 7, 2025.

Joseph Guyler C. Delva

Secretary General of

SOS Journalistes Haiti