MISA Regional Annual Report 2023 Introduction Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki The murders of Lesotho broadcaster Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki and Mozambique journalist João Chamusse blighted the year 2023. Leqhashaha was killed as he left his workplace in the capital, Maseru, on 14 May 2023. His alleged killers have since been arrested and are facing prosecution. Before his death, Leqhashasha had received death threats on the social media platform Facebook. In the aftermath of his death, some journalists also received death threats on Facebook, as they were warned that they would face the same fate as the slain 10 João Chamusse broadcaster. In Mozambique, Chamusse’s body was found outside his home on the outskirts of the capital, Maputo on 18 December 2023. Investigations into the case are said to be underway. Elections were a dominant theme across the year, as several countries were due to hold elections from 2023 to 2025. In Southern Africa, where MISA operates, elections at presidential, national assembly and local government levels will be held in Botswana, Comoros, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa. www.misa.org