The month of March 2025 witnessed a number of attacks against civic activism and expression, especially in the military-led countries of Mali and Burkina Faso. In separate instances, leaders of some civic groups in Mali and Burkina Faso were arrested and abducted.
Other civic-expression related incidents were recorded in Mauritania, The Gambia, Ghana and Senegal. Attacks against journalists and suspension of a media outlet were also cited in Nigeria and Benin respectively.
With support from the 11th Hour Project of The Schmidt Family Foundation, the MFWA continues to monitor and document these violations as part of efforts to promote a free and safe civic space in West Africa.
Access the full report here.