Media freedom in Africa under siege, warns lobby

Journalists in Mombasa march along Tom Mboya Road to mark World Press Freedom Day on May 4, 2026.

Photo credit: Kevin Odit | Nation Media Group

Amnesty International has warned of escalating threats to press freedom across East and Southern Africa, citing harassment, arbitrary arrests and internet shutdowns targeting independent journalists in countries that held elections in 2025 and 2026.

In a statement to mark World Press Day on Monday, the rights watchdog reported a rise in internet blockages as well as the use of oppressive cybersecurity laws to restrict media freedom.