Four Liberian journalists from an independent Monrovia daily newspaper are due to go on trial today charged with espionage following an article that accused the government of profligate spending on helicopter repairs and Christmas cards.

A journalist with Malawi's state-run news agency is under police protection after reporting critically on an opposition party visit to flood victims, prompting a string a threats against him.

Two correspondents, a radio journalist and a cameraman have been intimidated by the government of president Pierre Buyoya. Other reporters have been menaced by the dreaded Documentation Nationale, the shadow police force. The actions come at a time of increasing criticism about Buyoya's stalling over the Arusha agreement - a three-year transitional government.