Top 10 African countries lowest freedom of expression

In recent years, the landscape of freedom of expression across Africa has been marked by significant challenges. As governments tighten control over media and stifle dissent, many countries have seen a decline in the ability of citizens to freely express their views.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right but in the following African countries, it remains under severe threat.

Below is a list of top 10 African countries where freedom of expression is most restricted, based on recent reports from international watchdogs and human rights organizations.

1. Eritrea
Eritrea consistently ranks as one of the worst countries globally for freedom of expression. The government tightly controls all media, and there is no independent press. Journalists and critics of the regime face severe repression, including imprisonment without trial. The country has been labeled as a “black hole for news” due to its extreme censorship.

2. Sudan
Despite some reforms following the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir in 2019, Sudan remains a hostile environment for free speech. The transitional government has struggled to curb the influence of the military, which continues to suppress dissent. Journalists and activists who criticize the government or the military face harassment, arrest, and violence.

3. Equatorial Guinea
Equatorial Guinea is one of the most repressive countries in Africa, with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo’s government maintaining a tight grip on power. There is no independent media, and journalists operate under constant threat of government retaliation. The few who dare to speak out face imprisonment and torture.

4. Somalia
In Somalia, ongoing conflict and instability have created an environment where freedom of expression is severely limited. Journalists are frequently targeted by both government forces and extremist groups like Al-Shabaab. Many journalists have been killed or forced to flee the country due to their work.

5. Rwanda
Rwanda’s government, under President Paul Kagame, has been criticized for its authoritarian approach to governance. While the country enjoys stability and economic growth, freedom of expression is heavily curtailed. Independent media is virtually non-existent, and critics of the government are often silenced through imprisonment or forced exile.

6. Burundi
Since the controversial third-term bid of President Pierre Nkurunziza in 2015, which led to a failed coup and widespread violence, Burundi has seen a sharp decline in freedom of expression. The government has cracked down on independent media, and journalists who report on human rights abuses or criticize the regime are often jailed or forced to flee the country.

 7. Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe’s government, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, has continued the repressive tactics of the Mugabe era. Freedom of expression is severely restricted, with the government frequently targeting journalists, opposition figures, and activists. Reports of harassment, abductions, and torture are common.

8. Egypt
Under President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt has become one of the most repressive countries in Africa regarding freedom of expression. The government has cracked down on the media, civil society, and political dissent, using a broad anti-terrorism law to justify the detention of thousands of people. Independent journalists face imprisonment, and many media outlets have been shut down.

9. Uganda
In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni’s long-standing rule has been marked by a significant crackdown on freedom of expression. Journalists, activists, and opposition politicians are regularly harassed, arrested, and, in some cases, tortured. The government has also introduced strict regulations to control online speech, further limiting the space for free expression.

10. Cameroon
Cameroon’s government, led by President Paul Biya, has been criticized for its harsh suppression of dissent, particularly in the context of the Anglophone crisis. Journalists and activists who report on the conflict or criticize the government face arrest, harassment, and intimidation. The media operates under strict government control, with little room for independent reporting.