Nigeria has been ranked seventh among African nations with the highest number of jailed journalists, according to the 2024 prison census report released by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The list is led by Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Cameroon, Rwanda, and Tunisia.
The report reveals that 67 journalists across Africa were detained as of December 1, 2024, due to their work. Although this figure shows a slight decrease from the revised 68 journalists jailed in 2023, it remains higher than the 2022 count of 57.
Breakdown of Journalist Imprisonment
Egypt topped the list with 17 detained journalists, followed by Eritrea with 16. Ethiopia accounted for six, while Cameroon, Rwanda, and Tunisia each detained five journalists. Nigeria reported four imprisoned journalists, Algeria jailed two, and Angola, Burundi, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Guinea, and Senegal each detained one journalist.
Charges and Allegations
CPJ highlighted that most of the detained journalists face charges related to anti-state activities, criminal defamation, and the publication of false news.
- Eritrea: Remains one of the world's worst offenders, holding some of the longest-detained journalists globally.
- Ethiopia: Five journalists face terrorism charges, which could lead to the death penalty, while another has been detained without charges.
- Cameroon: Journalists are serving sentences ranging from 10 to 32 years.
- South Sudan: Journalist Emmanuel Monychol Akop has been held since November 2024 without a court appearance.
- Angola: Carlos Raimundo Alberto remains imprisoned for criminal defamation, despite being eligible for parole.
- Burundi: Sandra Muhoza was detained for a WhatsApp post.
Nigeria's Role and Cybercrime Laws
Nigeria, alongside Rwanda, used cybercrime legislation to arrest journalists. The report noted allegations of mistreatment in detention, with claims of beatings in Rwanda and Senegal.
Global Implications
The CPJ report underscores the ongoing challenges journalists face across Africa. Advocacy groups continue to call for reforms to protect press freedom and ensure journalists can carry out their work without fear of imprisonment or harassment.