THE WAY FORWARD 1. 51 Developments in the media environment over the last two/three years • In the last few years, a regression in the exercise of freedom of expression can be seen in Mozambique. There is a “culture of fear” after some emblematic cases of intimidation of critical voices and attacks on political commentators and journalists. • The practice of self-censorship can be observed as well as the caution to avoid the coverage of certain news issues. • The approval of Decree nº 40/2018, which introduced exorbitant fees on media licences (community radios included) as well as on the accreditation of national and international correspondents, is contrary to international good practices and an attack on press freedom. The Decree was introduced without consulting the media sector previously. • In Mozambique, there is no law on public participation in legislative processes, which would establish the rules of the process when it comes to consultations. Some years ago, a process which involved the private sector and CSOs aiming at the establishment of such a law was initiated. Concrete results are still being expected. • In November 2018, there was a seminar – promoted by GABINFO – to harmonise the legislation of the media sector. It is unknown, however, if the proposals have been submitted to parliament for discussion and approval. • The quality of journalism is in crisis. A superficiality in the narration of facts, a lack of rigour, the violation of journalistic ethics and confusion between facts and opinion can be observed. There is no culture to follow-up on news stories. The National Union of Journalists and MISA-Mozambique have voluntary ethic and professional codes, which have been elaborated in accordance with principles that inform self-regulation of the media. Nevertheless, most of them are essentially looking at electoral periods, during which sometimes even monitoring mechanisms are established. Outside these electoral periods, the codes are not yet making any difference as there is no one to monitor their compliance. AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER MOZAMBIQUE 2018