67 Journalists Jailed Across Africa Amid Growing Crackdown on Press Freedom

January 16, 2025 – Africa – 

As of December 1, 2024, at least 67 journalists were imprisoned across Africa for their work, according to a report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). This troubling figure highlights a growing pattern of repression against independent media across the continent, contributing to the global tally of 361 jailed journalists—the second-highest ever recorded by CPJ.

The report identifies Egypt and Eritrea as the worst offenders. Egypt currently holds 17 journalists, many detained under vague anti-state or anti-terrorism charges. The country continues to suppress dissenting voices by weaponizing national security laws. Eritrea follows closely with 16 journalists imprisoned, several of whom have been held incommunicado since 2001 without formal charges or trials, highlighting the complete absence of press freedom in the country.

Ethiopia, which once showed signs of progress, now has six journalists behind bars, most arrested for covering conflict in the Amhara region and accused of inciting violence or spreading disinformation. Cameroon, Rwanda, Nigeria, Senegal, and Angola also feature in the report, demonstrating that the crackdown on media spans across Western, Eastern, and Central Africa.

One alarming trend is the increasing use of cybercrime and national security laws to silence journalists. These laws are often vaguely worded and broadly interpreted, allowing authorities to detain reporters for legitimate reporting. In Nigeria, four journalists are imprisoned under cybercrime laws for exposing corruption. In Burundi, Sandra Muhoza was jailed simply for sharing a message on WhatsApp, accused of undermining state integrity.

The CPJ warns that this pattern reflects an erosion of democratic principles, as journalists are criminalized for performing their watchdog role. The report calls on African governments to release imprisoned journalists and reform laws that are being abused to restrict freedom of expression.

Reference – 

https://www.observer24.com.na/67-journalists-imprisoned-across-africa/

https://guardian.ng/features/media/67-journalists-jailed-across-africa-says-cpj/

https://www.voanews.com/a/report-67-journalists-jailed-for-their-work-across-africa/7939697.html