Across West Africa, freedom of expression remains under sustained attack as governments and military regimes continue to crack down on dissent. Journalists, media outlets, activists, and civil society actors are increasingly targeted through arrests, media shutdowns, and intimidation. These repressive actions contribute to a worsening civic space, emboldened by impunity and transnational collaboration among authoritarian regimes. With support from the 11th Hour Project of The Schmidt Family Foundation, MFWA continues to monitor and document such violations to promote a free and open civic space in the region.
The November 2024 monitoring report highlights alarming developments, including the cross-border suppression of critical voices by the military juntas of Burkina Faso and Mali. A Malian journalist was arrested and a prominent TV station shut down following criticism of Burkina Faso’s leadership. In Niger, another journalist was imprisoned for reporting on junta abuses. Media regulators in Mali and Togo also suspended outlets for content deemed unfavourable, while in Guinea-Bissau, police violently dispersed a student protest, arresting demonstrators and assaulting journalists. These incidents reveal a deepening hostility toward independent journalism and civic engagement in the region.
Access the full report here