Joseph Isangura
The struggle for press freedom in Africa remains a significant challenge, as 67 journalists are currently imprisoned across the continent.
This alarming number is part of a broader global trend, with a total of 361 journalists detained worldwide as of December 1, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
The CPJ report sheds light on the increasing use of laws as tools to silence independent media. Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, emphasized how national security laws, anti-terrorism measures, and cybercrime legislation are being weaponized to suppress journalistic work.
“These findings highlight a disturbing trend where governments are criminalizing journalism under the guise of maintaining security,” Mumo said. “This creates an environment where truth-tellers are punished instead of protected.”
In countries like Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Burundi, journalists have been detained under such laws for reporting on issues deemed sensitive by authorities.
In Nigeria, four journalists were charged under the Cybercrime Act for exposing corruption in government and private sectors. The law, which critics argue is overly broad, has been used to target individuals whose reporting challenges powerful interests.
Ethiopia has seen the detention of six journalists, five of whom are facing serious charges under the country’s anti-terrorism laws. These individuals, who could face harsh sentences if convicted, were reportedly arrested for covering political unrest and human rights abuses. The crackdown has drawn widespread criticism, as Ethiopia continues to navigate its complex political landscape.
In Burundi, journalist Sandra Muhoza, who works for the online publication La Nova, was convicted under national security laws for sharing a message on WhatsApp. Her case exemplifies how even digital communication is being monitored and used as a basis for prosecution.
The CPJ report paints a grim picture of the state of press freedom not only in Africa but globally. It highlights how authoritarian regimes are exploiting legislative frameworks to quash dissent and suppress the media’s ability to inform the public.
Advocates for press freedom argue that such measures do more than harm individual journalists; they erode democracy itself. By targeting the press, governments deny citizens their right to independent, accurate information—essential for informed decision-making in any democratic society.
Efforts to counter these abuses continue, with organizations like CPJ calling for international pressure on governments to release imprisoned journalists and repeal repressive laws. The report underscores the need for global solidarity in defending press freedom and ensuring that those who speak truth to power are protected.
The plight of Africa’s imprisoned journalists stands as a sobering reminder of the ongoing battle to preserve freedom of expression and the vital role of a free press.
