A new report by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reveals that at least 67 journalists are currently incarcerated across Africa, underscoring the continent’s ongoing struggle to protect press freedom. This figure contributes to a global total of 361 journalists imprisoned as of December 1, 2024, the second-highest number ever recorded by CPJ.
The rise in journalist imprisonments in Africa reflects broader global trends where authoritarian governments increasingly target the media, utilizing national security, anti-terrorism, and cybercrime laws to justify crackdowns. Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa Program Coordinator, highlighted that these practices are not exclusive to Africa but have been particularly concerning in the region, where governments in countries such as Burundi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria have used legislation meant to ensure public safety to criminalize journalistic activities.
Egypt continues to be the worst offender, with 17 journalists currently behind bars. However, Mumo noted that the prison census only captures a snapshot of the situation, as many journalists face detention intermittently, with some going in and out of prison throughout the year. This dynamic makes it difficult to fully capture the extent of press freedom violations, as the report only reflects a specific date in time.
The data underscores the urgent need for global attention to the growing challenges journalists face, particularly in repressive environments where reporting is seen as a threat to political control. The CPJ urges governments to respect media freedoms and ensure that journalists can carry out their work without fear of detention or harassment.
References:
- Committee to Protect Journalists: Annual report on journalist imprisonments and global press freedom.
- Muthoki Mumo’s Statement: Commentary on the use of restrictive laws to target journalists in Africa.
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