Governments throughout Africa are exploiting unclear cyber laws to stifle independent journalism and suppress dissenting opinions. The methods employed to silence journalists and critics are becoming increasingly sophisticated, prompting significant concerns regarding digital rights and press freedom, according to ‘Gbenga Sesan, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative.
‘Gbenga’s assertion is indeed supported by recent data, which highlights a growing culture of repression. There has been an observable trend of physical attacks, as well as arbitrary arrests and detentions. With the rise in internet access and the widespread use of social media, numerous governments have altered existing laws or introduced new ones, such as cybersecurity or cybercrime laws, which are increasingly being used as tools to curtail free speech.
In many cases, these new laws have been used and misinterpreted to specifically target and silence critics and dissidents of governments throughout the region.
For example, the Constitution of Benin guarantees freedom of expression, both offline and online, under Article 23. Article 142 grants the media regulatory body, HAAC, the authority to oversee the media landscape, both offline and online. However, this power is often used to target outspoken media outlets and journalists, leading to perceptions of a state-sponsored crackdown on press freedom.
Similarly, the current Constitution of Niger, under Article 30, safeguards the right to freedom of expression. In addition to the constitutional provisions, the country also has various legal frameworks that govern electronic communications and uphold freedom of expression and media freedom, both online and offline. However, these protections are frequently undermined, especially when it comes to dissenting voices.
The adoption of Ordinance N° 2010-35 on June 4, 2010, concerning the regime of freedom of expression, was hailed as a significant milestone. This law decriminalises press offenses, yet, despite this progress, several journalists have still been arrested for their social media posts, often under the civil code or cybersecurity laws.
Like other countries, Niger’s cybersecurity law encroaches on privacy and restricts online freedom. Articles 27 to 32 of the Cybercrime Law (LOI N°2019-33 of July 3, 2019) outline a range of offenses, including defamation and the publication of false information. The law imposes penalties of up to three years in prison and fines as high as $8,000, further stifling freedom of expression and press freedom in the digital space.
Other countries, including Burkina Faso, Togo, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and among others, are facing similar challenges. This widespread trend reinforces Gbenga’s concern that the situation may worsen over time.
At RightsCon 2025 in Taiwan, ‘Gbenga urged journalists who are facing digital threats to report these cases through the Ripoti platform. This would allow Paradigm Initiative (PIN) and its partners to provide legal and strategic support to those affected, ensuring that press freedom and digital rights are better protected in the region.
The organisation’s upcoming Londa 2024 report, set to be launched at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF), will shine a spotlight on these ongoing violations and call for stronger protections for digital rights and press freedom.
‘Gbenga also announced that in March of this year, PIN will host a Digital Security Training for journalists in Naivasha, Kenya, underscoring its commitment to enhancing media safety and fostering digital resilience among journalists across the region.
Hundreds of global players have gathered in Taipei, Taiwan, for one of the world’s leading human rights summits.
The summit, held annually by RightsCon and organized by Access Now, a non-profit organisation dedicated to defending and expanding digital rights. Access Now combines direct technical support, strategic advocacy, grassroots grant-making, and convening to support communities at risk while advocating for human rights in the digital era.
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