World Organization of Writers President Applauds European Commission Recognition of Congress of African Journalists
Margarita Al: Success is turning this recognition into practical support for the continent
Cairo / Abuja / Moscow – August 2026
The Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) has received another significant vote of confidence following the official response from the European Commission recognizing the importance of African journalism and encouraging continued engagement with European institutions. The latest endorsement comes from Margarita Al, President of the World Organization of Writers (WOW), who described the Commission’s response as a major milestone for the Congress and a testament to its growing international standing.
In a message addressed to Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid Dali, Secretary-General of the Congress of African Journalists, Margarita Al congratulated the entire CAJ leadership, praising the organization’s persistent efforts to advance journalism across the African continent.
“Huge congratulations on the European Commission’s official response to CAJ! This is a significant milestone for the Congress and a strong recognition of the team’s relentless hard work for African journalism,” she wrote.
Reflecting on the broader international context, the President of the World Organization of Writers observed that while international politics and European Union policies often invite careful analysis and global scrutiny, the European Commission’s response should be viewed as an important practical achievement for African journalism.
“From a pragmatic standpoint, this is a brilliant tactical opening—leveraging institutional channels to secure real resources, support independent media, and give African journalists a stronger platform,” Margarita Al stated.
She also extended her best wishes to the leadership of the Congress, expressing confidence in its ability to transform international recognition into tangible benefits for journalists throughout Africa.
“Wishing you, Michael, George, and the entire CAJ team continued success in turning this recognition into practical support for the continent.”
The Congress of African Journalists views this message as another indication of the growing international support for its mission to strengthen independent journalism, promote professional excellence, and expand partnerships with institutions committed to media development and freedom of expression.
The recognition from both the European Commission and leading international cultural figures reinforces CAJ’s vision of becoming a leading continental platform that connects African journalists, encourages ethical journalism, supports professional development, and amplifies African voices on the global stage.
As the organization continues to expand its international partnerships, CAJ remains committed to building bridges between Africa and the global media community, ensuring that African journalists have greater opportunities for collaboration, training, innovation, and sustainable media development.
