Global Press Freedom Under Threat: 67 Journalists Imprisoned in Africa as EU Reaffirms Commitment Amid Controversial U.S. Incident
A report released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) indicates that at least 67 journalists are currently imprisoned across Africa, contributing to a global total of 361 jailed journalists as of December 1. This figure marks the second-highest number ever recorded by CPJ. Muthoki Mumo, CPJ’s Africa program coordinator, emphasized that authoritarian regimes are increasingly weaponizing laws against journalists, citing national security and anti-terrorism legislation as tools for repression.
Countries like Burundi, Ethiopia, and Nigeria are highlighted for using such laws to criminalize journalism. In Nigeria, four journalists are facing prosecution under cybercrime laws related to corruption reporting. Ethiopia holds six journalists, five of whom are prosecuted under anti-terrorism laws, risking severe penalties if convicted.
Egypt remains the worst offender, detaining 17 journalists, followed by Eritrea with 16, where some have been imprisoned since 2001 without trial. Other countries with significant journalist detentions include Cameroon, Rwanda, and Tunisia, where vague laws often lead to arrests.
In a separate incident, the European Commission reaffirmed its commitment to press freedom following the removal of two journalists during a press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Journalists Max Blumenthal and Sam Husseini were forcibly removed after protesting and questioning Blinken about U.S. actions in Gaza, highlighting ongoing tensions surrounding press freedom even in established democracies.
These incidents underscore the global struggle for press freedom, with the CPJ calling on governments to respect journalists’ rights and prevent the criminalization of their work.
