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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

Mauritania

Mauritania is an Islamic republic and a semi-presidential democracy, though it has a history of military rule and coups since its 1960 independence. The political system is centralized, with power focused in the executive branch, but recent years have seen limited decentralization and a push for greater democratic participation. Key issues in Mauritania's politics include managing the national identity in a multi-ethnic country, combating jihadist threats in the Sahel, developing natural resources like gas and green hydrogen, and addressing poverty and human rights concerns.

Obstructed (score 51/100)

Civicus Rating

60/100

Freedom House Score

92

RSF Ranking

Liberia

Liberia’s civic space is moderately open but uneven. While media outlets operate freely, journalists occasionally face intimidation and violence. The government’s inconsistent response to these threats underscores the need for stronger institutional protections for free expression.

Narrowed (score 63/100)

Civicus Rating

64/100

Freedom House Score

54

RSF Ranking

Cabo verde

Cabo Verde continues to serve as a model for press freedom and democratic governance in West Africa. The media operates independently, civic organizations are active, and open dialogue between citizens and government is largely protected by law and practice.

Open (score 87/100)

Civicus Rating

92/100

Freedom House Score

30

RSF Ranking

The Gambia

The Gambia’s transition from dictatorship has opened new space for expression, but progress has slowed. Outdated laws still threaten journalists, and sporadic arrests highlight the need for stronger legal reforms to safeguard media independence.

Obstructed (score 51/100)

Civicus Rating

50/100

Freedom House Score

58

RSF Ranking

Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau’s fragile institutions and political volatility have left media and civic groups vulnerable. Journalists work in precarious conditions with limited protection, and public access to information remains inconsistent and often politicized.

Obstructed (score 41/100)

Civicus Rating

41/100

Freedom House Score

110

RSF Ranking

Niger

Niger’s transition following the military takeover has severely affected press and civic freedoms. Independent reporting is constrained, with journalists facing censorship and detentions, while public protests are restricted under broad security justifications.

Repressed (score 36/100)

Civicus Rating

30/100

Freedom House Score

83

RSF Ranking

Benin

Benin’s reputation as a democratic success story has weakened in recent years. New digital and media laws have curtailed journalistic independence, while opposition voices face legal and political pressure that discourages open civic dialogue.

Obstructed (score 51/100)

Civicus Rating

60/100

Freedom House Score

92

RSF Ranking

Togo

Togo’s civic space is characterized by tight government control and limited tolerance for criticism. Media outlets and civic actors face surveillance and restrictions, and protests are often met with excessive force, stifling meaningful public participation.

Repressed (score 38/100)

Civicus Rating

41/100

Freedom House Score

121

RSF Ranking

Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has taken notable steps toward media reform, including decriminalizing libel, yet challenges persist. Periodic harassment of journalists and political pressure on newsrooms reveal that the gains in openness remain delicate and reversible.

Obstructed (score 48/100)

Civicus Rating

59/100

Freedom House Score

56

RSF Ranking

Guinea

Guinea’s civic environment remains tense and unpredictable. Authorities regularly restrict demonstrations, and journalists critical of governance risk harassment or detention. The space for public debate continues to narrow amid ongoing political transitions.

Repressed (score 30/100)

Civicus Rating

Freedom House Score

103

RSF Ranking

Browse Reports

Freedom in the World 2025: Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone has held regular multiparty elections since the end of its civil war in 2002, though the results have sometimes been contested. Demonstrators and opposition parties have faced police violence and restrictions on assembly.

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Freedom in the World 2025: Nigeria

While Nigeria has made significant improvements to the quality of its elections since the 1999 transition to civilian rule, balloting has continued to be marred by irregularities. Corruption is endemic in the petroleum industry, and

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Freedom in the World 2025: Liberia

Liberia has enjoyed two decades of peace and stability since its second civil war ended in 2003, making considerable progress in rebuilding government capacity, reestablishing the rule of law, and ensuring citizens’ political rights and

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Freedom in the World 2025: Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau’s political system has been hampered in recent years by power struggles between the presidency and the parliamentary majority. Conditions for civil liberties gradually improved as the country recovered from the aftermath of a military

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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.