Press Freedom Erosion: 10 African Nations Facing Challenges

10 African countries where press freedom is on the decline

The ongoing assault on press freedom in various African nations illustrates a multifaceted challenge shaped by several intersecting factors. At the heart of this crisis lies an alarming tendency for political regimes to tighten their stranglehold over information channels, a development amplified by legal systems that remain out of reach for many. In conflict-ridden and authoritarian states, both government and corporate pressures coerce the media into submission, stifling the essential discussions and debates that a healthy society depends on.

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Recent findings from the World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) paint a troubling picture. The index reveals significant declines in press freedom across several African countries, whose scores rank among the lowest in the world. This alarming trend is compounded by a rising number of journalists who face detention or, tragically, loss of life in the line of duty. What does this mean for the stories that go untold?

The decline in press freedom can be traced back to several root causes: state censorship, legal clampdowns, escalating insecurity, and financial strains. These elements converge to compromise not only the independence of the media but also its economic sustainability. The question arises—how do journalists thrive in such oppressive environments?

Notably, the RSF employs a comprehensive ranking and scoring system that evaluates 180 countries based on five pivotal indicators: the political context, legal frameworks, economic situations, sociocultural conditions, and safety metrics. This multi-dimensional approach allows for a nuanced understanding of the state of press freedoms globally.

An insightful piece by Business Insider Africa draws attention to ten African countries where the deterioration of press freedom has reached alarming heights. Based on the latest rankings, press freedom scores, and the number of journalists killed or detained this year, the findings are not just statistics—they are human stories collapsing under the weight of oppression.

Country Index Score Global Rank No. of Journalists Killed or Detained
Eritrea 11.32 180 14 detained
Egypt 24.74 170 20 detained
Rwanda 35.85 146 3 detained
Ethiopia 36.92 145 6 detained
Libya 40.42 137 1 detained
Somalia 40.49 136 5 detained
DR Congo 42.31 133 1 killed / 4 detained
Cameroon 42.75 131 4 detained
Tunisia 43.48 129 4 detained
Nigeria 46.81 122 5 detained

The 2025 RSF Press Freedom Barometer starkly highlights the ongoing crisis:

  • So far, 18 journalists have been killed globally since January.
  • A staggering 534 are currently detained worldwide, with dozens imprisoned in Africa alone.
  • At least 40 African journalists find themselves behind bars, their voices silenced.
  • Many have been forced into exile, escaping threats to their lives and livelihoods.

The plight of Eritrea stands out, remaining firmly anchored at the bottom of the global rankings. The country suffers from an utter lack of a functional press. The continued detention of at least 14 journalists without trial is nothing short of a human rights atrocity. Among them are the journalists Dawit Isaak and Seyoum Tsehaye, imprisoned for decades—a tragic reminder of the price paid for truth.

Following close behind, Egypt exerts an iron grip on its media landscape. Here, military and political power dictate terms, leading to the detention of 20 journalists under draconian anti-terror laws. The landscape for independent media is bleak, with many outlets shuttered or forced into exile.

In Ethiopia, a once-prominent beacon of hope for press freedom is now dimmed. Amid rising authoritarianism and conflict, the state has reversed progress made by journalists. Six journalists, including Dawit Begashaw, continue to languish in detention, their stories trapped within the walls of oppression.

Press environments in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Somalia remain perilous. Reporters navigate treacherous landscapes defined by fierce conflict and repressive laws, fostering an atmosphere of fear that consistently undermines journalistic integrity.

This year, the Democratic Republic of Congo faced a heartbreaking loss as journalist Patrick Adonis Numbi of Pamoja TV was killed, underscoring the extreme risks present in conflict zones like the eastern DRC.

Even in Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy, there’s been a disturbing decline, dropping ten places in global rankings this year. With five journalists currently detained, the media landscape is increasingly jeopardized by financial dependencies on state and corporate advertisers.

As RSF tirelessly collects real-time information on journalist abuses, it serves as a crucial reminder: the fight for press freedom is far from over. The need for robust protection and support for media professionals worldwide can less be overstated. As these voices face ongoing threats and violence, can we remain silent?

The responsibility lies with each one of us to advocate for the freedom and safety of journalists everywhere. After all, a society without a free press is a society without a voice.

Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring

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