03/05/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF)
Date: May 3, 2026
Title: Press Freedom in Africa at a Breaking Point – AMDF Calls for Urgent Action on World Press Freedom Day 2026
On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2026, the Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) raises grave concern over the continued deterioration of press freedom across the African continent.
Drawing on a review of multiple press freedom monitoring platforms—including AMDF’s own Africa-wide Press Freedom Tracker (https://pressfreedom.amdf-centre.org), the conclusion is clear and consistent: the state of press freedom in Africa is in decline, with journalists increasingly facing violence, repression, and systemic restrictions.
Data from AMDF’s Press Freedom Tracker (2025–2026) highlights some of the most alarming trends. 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.”
AMDF calls on:
• African governments to 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.
• 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.
About AMDF:
The Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF) is committed to advancing press freedom, strengthening media systems, and protecting journalists across Africa.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Zhiroh Jatau
Press Freedom Manager
Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF)
https://amdf-centre.org
Email: [email protected]
