Three journalists were murdered in Africa in 2002, signifying a steady decline in the number of journalists’ killed on the continent. Seven journalists were killed in 2001, and eight in 2000.

The continued decline in numbers of those murdered allows for cautious optimism over the improvement of the safety of journalists throughout Africa. Journalists were killed in Algeria, Morocco and Uganda in 2002.

Algeria: The body of Mourad Belkacem, a journalist with Canal Algrie, was found stabbed to death at his home in Algiers on 26 July. His apartment was ransacked and his vehicle was stolen. Documents were also reportedly stolen from the journalist’s home.

Morocco: Jos Luis Percebal, a correspondent for the independent Spanish radio Cadena Cope, was found dead in his home on 12 February. He had been stabbed and a number of personal items were missing from the home.

Uganda: Jimmy Higenyi, a journalism student at the United Media Consultants and Trainers (UMCAT) Institute, was shot and killed by police on January 12 while covering a demonstration by the opposition Uganda Peoples Congress in Kampala.

For information on journalists imprisoned or killed in other countries of the world, visit: http://www.worldpressfreedomday.org