Press freedom in Africa rapidly declining, journalists face increased danger

A new assessment has warned that press freedom across Africa is deteriorating at an alarming rate, with journalists facing growing violence, repression, and systemic restrictions.

Data from multiple monitoring platforms reveals a consistent decline in media freedom across the continent. Sudan recorded the highest number of journalist killings in Africa last year, alongside a rising number of missing media professionals, highlighting the grave dangers faced by reporters, particularly in conflict zones.

Eritrea has been identified as Africa’s leading jailer of journalists, with cases of prolonged and arbitrary detention without due process.

In the Sahel region especially Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso military-led governments have intensified crackdowns on independent media, stifling dissent and restricting access to information.

In the Great Lakes region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, journalism is increasingly being criminalised, with reporters subjected to harassment, intimidation, and prosecution.

Nigeria is described as one of the most dangerous environments for journalists in West Africa, with frequent attacks by both state and non-state actors.

Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Rwanda are listed as countries where conditions for journalists are most critical, with media practitioners facing risks of arbitrary detention, torture, and even death.

African governments have been urged to uphold their constitutional and international obligations to protect freedom of expression and ensure media independence. The African Union and other regional bodies are called upon to take decisive action against press freedom violations, while the international community is expected to strengthen protection mechanisms for journalists at risk.

Observers note that protecting journalists is essential to safeguarding democracy, as a free and independent press ensures transparency, accountability, and sustainable development.