PRESS STATEMENT- July 7, 2026
The Congress of African Journalists [CAJ] is alarmed by the escalating assault on press freedom and the safety of journalists across Africa in 2025 and 2026.
Through available data, “we are updated that a continent-wide pattern of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, enforced disappearances, internet shutdowns, and the weaponization of vague laws to silence independent reporting.
“Across the region, governments have intensified crackdowns through shutdowns, arrests and arbitrary detentions. They are weaponizing criminal justice systems to target journalists” said Michael Adeboboye, Chairman Board of Trustees / Editor-in-Chief, CAJ International Magazine. “This is happening at a time when citizens need credible information the most.”
Countries of Concern:
Ongoing Mass Detention:
– Eritrea: 16 journalists held for 20+ years with no trial
– Ethiopia: 5 journalists jailed on terrorism charges for covering Amhara conflict. Outlets Wazema Radio and Addis Standard had licenses revoked
– Niger: 5 journalists detained, including Sahara FM staff held since May 10, 2025 — the highest number in the country’s history
– Rwanda: 5 journalists held on anti-state charges
– Cameroon: 4 journalists imprisoned amid 40 years of repression
– Senegal: 2 journalists still detained despite reform promises
– Tunisia: 3 journalists held under new repressive laws
Recent Attacks – July 2026:
– Uganda: Detention of Timothy Kalyegira and military shutdown of Nation Media Group
– Nigeria: Disappearance of Stanley Ugagbe of Secret Reporters after investigative reporting in Abuja
– Kenya: Armed attempt to abduct The Standard Group Associate Editor Alex Kiprotich
Sahel Military Regimes:
In Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, coups have triggered harsher repression. Cybercrime laws carry up to 10-year sentences. In Burkina Faso, critics face forced conscription. Investigative editor Serge Oulon remains missing since June 2024.
Other Violations:
Zimbabwe’s “Patriot Act”, South Sudan’s newsroom raids, Madagascar’s “fake news” code, and attacks on 15+ journalists in South Africa.
Key Facts:
– 42 journalists jailed in Africa as of December 1 — 4th highest globally
– 33 of 50 countries south of the Sahara detained journalists in 2025
– Over 80% of people in the region live in “Repressed” or “Closed” civic spaces
CAJ Demands:
1. Immediate release of all jailed journalists
2. Repeal of laws criminalizing journalism, including cybercrime and “patriotism” acts
3. End to internet shutdowns and military interference in newsrooms
4. Independent investigations into disappearances and attacks
5. AU and regional intervention to protect media freedom
A free press is not a threat to national security. It is the foundation of it,” added Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, Secretary General CAJ / Editor, http://thesilkroad.com.
Signed,
Michael Adeboboye
Chairman, Board of Trustees / Editor-in-Chief
CAJ International Magazine.
+2347081425211
Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid
Secretary General, CAJ /
Editor-in-Chief
www.thesilkroadtoday.com
+20 10 95755602
For Media Inquiries:
Congress of African Journalists
Email: congressofafricanjournalists@gmail.com
