Observatory for Press And Civic Space Freedom Across West Africa
Tracking the truth. Defending press freedom. Equipping storytellers.
Open West Africa is an independent observatory dedicated to monitoring and advancing press freedom and civic space in West Africa. We provide a platform where journalists, researchers, activists, and policymakers can access up‑to‑date information on how rights to expression, association, and participation are being upheld—or undermined—across the region.
Countries
Burkina Faso
105
Freedom House Score
10
Press Freedom Violations
10
RSF Ranking
Browse Stories
Mubarak Bala 3
The last thing Bala said to his wife on the phone was, “Amina, do not worry, I will be out, and we will make up for the lost years we have missed as a family. I will make it up for our son.” Bala was finally released from prison in January 2025.
Mubarak Bala 2
The last thing Bala said to his wife on the phone was, “Amina, do not worry, I will be out, and we will make up for the lost years we have missed as a family. I will make it up for our son.” Bala was finally released from prison in January 2025.
Ajah Troy
The last thing Bala said to his wife on the phone was, “Amina, do not worry, I will be out, and we will make up for the lost years we have missed as a family. I will make it up for our son.” Bala was finally released from prison in January 2025.
Sarah Johnson
The last thing Bala said to his wife on the phone was, “Amina, do not worry, I will be out, and we will make up for the lost years we have missed as a family. I will make it up for our son.” Bala was finally released from prison in January 2025.
Ali Benson
The last thing Bala said to his wife on the phone was, “Amina, do not worry, I will be out, and we will make up for the lost years we have missed as a family. I will make it up for our son.” Bala was finally released from prison in January 2025.
Mubarak Bala
The last thing Bala said to his wife on the phone was, “Amina, do not worry, I will be out, and we will make up for the lost years we have missed as a family. I will make it up for our son.” Bala was finally released from prison in January 2025.
What We Stand For
Central Repository
We curate comprehensive reports, laws and legal frameworks on press and civic space freedom across West Africa, making it easy to find authoritative documentation for every country in the region.
Insights
Beyond listing documents, we analyse regional trends to highlight positive reforms, restrictive policies and notable court rulings—turning raw information into actionable knowledge for journalists, researchers and advocates.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a journalist, editor, media trainer, civil society actor, or technologist, there’s a place for you in the OPEN ecosystem.
Report incidents and contribute data
Report incidents and contribute data
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Partner with us
for research or co-hosted events