Reporters Without Borders (RSF), a media watchdog group, painted a grim picture of press freedom in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in military-controlled Sahel states, with its latest World Press Freedom Index.
The Sahel region, battling armed groups and grappling with recent coups, has emerged as a “zone of no free information,” according to Camille Montagu of RSF Sub-Saharan Africa.
Here, “patriotic information” trumps independent journalism,he said.
The report documented a sharp decline in press freedom in countries like Niger (80th), Burkina Faso (86th), and Mali (114th), all under military rule.
RSF blames “draconian measures” by the juntas and the precarious security situation for the journalists’ plight.
Tactics like “summoning, requisition, and detention” are used to silence criticism and create a climate of fear, said Montagu.
Military control extends beyond local media. International outlets have been restricted, broadcasts suspended, and foreign correspondents forced out.
Burkina Faso’s recent suspension of several foreign media outlets for airing a critical report exemplifies this trend.
Economic pressure further stifles independent media. With support drying up, private and independent outlets are on the verge of collapse, warned Montagu.
Elections haven’t fared any better.
Violence against journalists spiked during elections in Nigeria (112th), Madagascar (100th), and the Democratic Republic of Congo (123rd), with political actors and their supporters being the main culprits, RSF reported.
The report also criticized the use of regulatory bodies by some governments to exert “political control” over media.
Togo (113th), Zimbabwe (116th), Gabon (56th), and Guinea (78th) were cited as examples where authorities can suspend media outlets without judicial oversight.
However, there were some bright spots. Tanzania (97th) and Mauritania (33rd) witnessed a significant rise in press freedom rankings, moving up nearly 50 places each.
