Interim Executive Director, International Press Institute
The International Press Institute (IPI) based in Vienna, Austria, has released its 2023 Press Freedom Monitoring Report for Africa, highlighting the persistent impunity for attacks on journalists and other threats to press freedom in the region. The report records 591 incidents affecting journalists in 40 sub-Saharan African countries, with Nigeria reporting the highest number of incidents, particularly after the February 2023 elections. Among the documented cases, 85 involved attacks on female journalists.
Out of the 591 documented incidents, 251 involved physical, verbal, or online attacks, affecting 220 male and 48 female journalists. There were 158 cases of arrest, detention, or charges, 112 instances of censorship, and 33 restrictions on access to information. Additionally, the report noted 27 cases of journalist surveillance and nine incidents related to restrictive laws and regulations.
The IPI’s monitoring reveals that physical, verbal, and online attacks were the most common threats to press freedom in 2023, affecting 220 male and 48 female journalists. Additionally, the report documented 58 cases of arrest and detention and 112 instances of censorship in the region.
The report underscores the grave dangers faced by journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, with the deaths of 12 journalists in seven countries documented in 2023. Among these was the assassination of Martinez Zogo, a radio journalist in Cameroon known for his criticism of poor governance and corruption. His murder in January 2023 highlighted the extreme risks faced by outspoken journalists.
Similarly, in Rwanda, John William Ntawli, known for exposing human rights abuses, died in what authorities claimed was a traffic accident. Despite a court sentencing the driver involved, the circumstances surrounding Ntawli’s death remain unclear.
In Cameroon, two journalists, Jean Jacques Ola Bebe and Anye Nde Nsoh, were killed. While an investigation and prosecution are underway for Zogo’s case, the killings of Bebe and Nsoh have not been thoroughly investigated by authorities, perpetuating a cycle of impunity.
Mali saw the tragic death of radio journalist Abdoul Aziw Djibrila, killed by an insurgent group after participating in media training. In Lesotho, fearless radio journalist Ralikonelo “Leqhashasha” Joki was murdered after exposing political corruption. Despite initial arrests, his case remains unresolved.
According to the report, the vast majority, 87.3% of these threats were perpetrated by state actors, with police and state security officers being the primary offenders.
Despite the bleak landscape, the IPI report also highlights several positive developments, such as progressive judicial decisions, legal reforms, and the release of some detained journalists.
