Photojournalism and Human Rights in Africa: Stories from the Field

Abstract

In this chapter, the research attempts to briefly demonstrate the impact and effectiveness of photojournalism by describing the lived experience and surrounding cultural, historical, and political contexts of certain events that took place in several African countries, including Sierra Leone, and Liberia. In Sierra Leone and Liberia, through the lived experience as a photojournalist and through in-depth research and analysis, I come to the conclusion in this work that while photojournalism can prove useful in promoting immediate impact, whether in the form of donations or government action (albeit minimal), it may not always impact or provoke the government’s or the international community’s seeking of justice. Regardless, photojournalism in Africa is essential in providing an agenda and laying a framework to seek justice for human rights abuses and promote progress. Photojournalism is a crucial player in witnessing history in Africa, and it functions as a key player in pushing forward human rights issues. In this chapter, I focus on the role of photojournalism in highlighting the Ebola situation in Sierra Leone and Liberia, relaying personal experience as a photojournalist in Africa.