Filoména Silva, prominent African investigative journalist, dies

Filoména Silva, a prominent Cape Verdean investigative journalist and former president of the Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO), has passed away. Her death was announced on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Silva was the founder of the investigative newspaper A Semana and served as the president of CENOZO from 2017 to 2019. Throughout her career, she was a dedicated advocate for press freedom, professional independent journalism, and increased cooperation among investigative reporters across West Africa.

Colleagues and media leaders have expressed grief over her passing, noting her commitment to truth and democracy. During the 2023 International Festival of Freedom of Expression and Press (FILEP) in Ouagadougou, she emphasized that ‘even in difficult moments, a free and independent press is essential.’