Reporters Without Borders, an international non-profit organization, has named Eritrea as the country with the worst press freedom in Africa while Namibia was named Africa’s best country in the Index.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its World Press Freedom Index, which ranks 180 countries based on the level of press freedom available to journalists. It, however, said press freedom remains highly fragile in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The latest Reporters Without Borders For Press Freedom (RSF) index released this week indicates that Eritrea, ranked 174 out of 180 in the world, is the worst in Africa as far as press freedom is concerned. Egypt is ranked as second worst in Africa, while Djibouti (162), Libya (149), and Sudan (148) are all ranked in the top five worst African countries for press freedom in 2024.
The Press Freedom Index is an annual ranking of countries compiled and published by Reporters Without Borders based on the organization’s own assessment of the countries’ press freedom records in the previous year.
The index evaluates media pluralism and independence, media legislative framework and the safety of journalists in addition to the quality of journalism in a country. The RSF indicated that journalists continue to lose their lives in Africa. According to them, 102 journalists have been killed in Africa over the past 10 years.
Top 20 Worst Countries for Press Freedom in Africa (2024)
1. Eritrea
Eritrea retains its notorious status as the worst African country for press freedom in 2024, according to Reporters Without Borders. With a dismal score, Eritrea continues to grapple with a tightly controlled media environment, where independent journalism is virtually non-existent. The government’s severe restrictions on the press have resulted in a climate of fear, making it extremely challenging for journalists to report on matters of public interest.
2. Egypt:
Egypt, a country with a rich historical and cultural heritage, unfortunately, ranks second on the list of the worst African countries for press freedom. Despite its vibrant media landscape, the government’s crackdown on dissent has led to an increasingly restrictive environment for journalists. Harassment, arrests, and censorship are prevalent, curbing the ability of the press to operate freely and hold those in power accountable.
3. Djibouti
Djibouti, a small nation in the Horn of Africa, occupies the third spot on the list. The government’s tight control over the media landscape has resulted in limited space for independent reporting. Journalists face intimidation, and the use of restrictive laws further hampers their ability to cover critical issues without fear of reprisals.
4. Libya
Libya, a country grappling with post-conflict challenges, finds itself in the fourth position among the worst African countries for press freedom. The ongoing instability and lack of a secure environment have created challenges for journalists trying to operate independently. Threats, attacks, and impunity for crimes against journalists contribute to a hostile atmosphere for press freedom.
5. Sudan
Sudan, despite recent political changes, continues to face challenges in ensuring a free and open press. While there have been positive developments, including the removal of some media restrictions, journalists in Sudan still confront obstacles such as harassment and legal challenges, impacting their ability to report without fear.
6. Morocco
Morocco, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes, ranks sixth on the list of worst African countries for press freedom. Despite having a relatively pluralistic media landscape, the government’s use of restrictive laws and occasional harassment of journalists contribute to a challenging environment for free and independent reporting.
7. Tanzania
Tanzania’s decline in press freedom is a cause for concern, earning it the seventh spot on the list. The government’s tightening grip on the media, restrictive laws, and incidents of harassment against journalists have raised alarm bells. The diminishing space for independent reporting affects the public’s access to diverse and unbiased information.
8. Somalia
Somalia, a nation recovering from years of conflict, faces significant challenges in ensuring press freedom. Ranked eighth on the list, the country grapples with a complex security situation that puts journalists at risk. Threats from armed groups and a lack of legal protections contribute to a hostile environment for media professionals.
9. Cameroon
Cameroon’s descent into the ninth position highlights ongoing concerns regarding press freedom in the country. Journalists in Cameroon face challenges such as arrests, harassment, and restrictive laws that limit their ability to report independently. The government’s control over media outlets further exacerbates the difficulties faced by the press.
10. Algeria
Algeria rounds out the list as the tenth worst African country for press freedom. Despite having a historically active media landscape, Algeria faces challenges related to the harassment of journalists and the use of legal measures to stifle dissent. The government’s control over state media also raises questions about the independence of news reporting.
| Africa Rank | Country | Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eritrea | 27.86 |
| 2 | Egypt | 33.37 |
| 3 | Djibouti | 35.87 |
| 4 | Libya | 40.22 |
| 5 | Sudan | 40.83 |
| 6 | Morocco | 43.69 |
| 7 | Tanzania | 44.02 |
| 8 | Somalia | 44.24 |
| 9 | Cameroon | 45.58 |
| 10 | Algeria | 45.74 |
| 11 | Uganda | 46.08 |
| 12 | Rwanda | 46.58 |
| 13 | Ethiopia | 47.7 |
| 14 | Zimbabwe | 48.17 |
| 15 | Angola | 48.3 |
| 16 | DR Congo | 48.55 |
| 17 | Nigeria | 49.56 |
| 18 | Tunisia | 50.11 |
| 19 | Equatorial Guinea | 50.35 |
| 20 | South Sudan | 50.62 |
RSF Analysis of Africa
According to RSF, Propaganda and disinformation thrive in Sub saharan Africa and is still one of the most dangerous terrains for journalists. A total of five journalists were killed in connection with their work from September 2022 to January 2023 in Cameroon (138th), Kenya (116th), Somalia (141st) and Rwanda (131st). Even if investigations are opened, they do not always lead to identification of the instigators.
Published annually by RSF since 2002, the World Press Freedom Index measures the level of media freedom in 180 countries and territories. It assesses the level of pluralism, media independence, the environment for the media and self-censorship, the legal framework, transparency, and the quality of infrastructure that supports the production of news and information. It does not evaluate government policy.
The global indicator and the regional indicators are calculated on the basis of the scores registered for each country. These country scores are calculated from responses to a questionnaire in 20 languages that is completed by experts throughout the world, supported by a qualitative analysis. The scores measure constraints and violations, so the higher the score, the worse the situation. Growing awareness of the Index has made it an extremely useful advocacy tool.
