Reporters Without Borders has welcomed the platform for the protection of journalists set up by the African Union.

Last week, the continental organization with the support of UNESCO launched the first online digital platform to combat threats against journalists.

The initiative is intended to provide early warning of violence against media professionals.

The platform, inspired by an initiative already put in place by the Europe Union, also makes it possible to provide a rapid response in real time throughout the continent in order to put an end to impunity, harassment, arbitrary arrests, assaults and assassinations.

Assane Diagne, representative of Reporters Without Borders West Africa office explained the states have a larger responsibility of approving the platform for the protection of media men.