WPFD: Press Freedom in Africa at a Breaking Point – AMDF … Calls For Urgent Action

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) has raised grave concern over the continued deterioration of press freedom across the African continent.

Drawing on a review of multiple press freedom monitoring platforms—including its own Africa-wide Press Freedom Tracker (https://pressfreedom.amdf-centre.org), the  AMDF’s conclusion is clear and consistent that the state of press freedom in Africa is in decline, with journalists increasingly facing violence, repression, and systemic restrictions.
A statement by the AMDF’s Press Freedom Manager, Zhiroh Jatau has said.

According to the statement, data from AMDF’s Press Freedom Tracker (2025–2026) highlights some of the most alarming trends and that Sudan not only recorded the highest number of journalist killings on the continent in 2025 but also holds the record for the highest number of missing journalists. “This disturbing trend underscores the extreme dangers faced by media professionals, particularly in conflict and politically unstable environments. Eritrea remains Africa’s leading jailer of journalists, where arbitrary and prolonged detention continues unchecked.

“Across the Sahel region—particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso—military-led governments have intensified crackdowns on independent media, silencing dissent and restricting the flow of information. In the Great Lakes region, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, journalism is increasingly criminalized, with reporters subjected to harassment, prosecution, and intimidation.

“In West Africa, Nigeria stands out as one of the most dangerous environments for journalists, with frequent attacks by both state and non-state actors. These patterns reflect a broader continental reality in which press freedom is under sustained and coordinated pressure.

“AMDF’s analysis identifies five countries where the situation for journalists is most critical: Eritrea, Djibouti, Sudan, Ethiopia, and Rwanda. In these countries, independent journalism is severely restricted, and journalists face the constant risk of arbitrary detention, torture, or death.

“The evidence across multiple trackers, including our own, points to a single conclusion: press freedom in Africa is under serious threat,” AMDF stated. “These are not isolated developments but part of a wider pattern that demands urgent and collective action.”

The AMDF therefore calls on African governments to among others, uphold constitutional and international commitments to freedom of expression and media independence,
the African Union and regional bodies to take decisive action against violations of press freedom, the international community to strengthen protection mechanisms for journalists at risk as well as Civil society and media organizations to deepen collaboration and solidarity across borders.

“As the continent joins the commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day 2026, AMDF emphasizes that protecting journalists is essential to protecting democracy. Without a free and independent press, there can be no transparency, accountability, or sustainable development.
The AMDF reiterates its commitment to advancing press freedom, strengthening media systems, and protecting journalists across Africa.