Comprehensive overview of press freedom violations, legal frameworks, and democratic trends in each West African country.

Through data-driven reports, policy insights, and regional analysis, we track journalist harassment, censorship, digital surveillance, and anti-democratic laws, offering a clear picture of the challenges and opportunities for media and civic actors. Explore country-specific data, legal resources, and advocacy tools to support evidence-based reporting and strengthen democratic resilience across West Africa.

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

Libéria

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

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

Gambie

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 Outdated laws still threaten journalists, and sporadic arrests highlight the need for stronger legal reforms

Guinée-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

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

Bénin

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

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

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

Guinée

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

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d’Ivoire has made progress in media development but struggles with consistent enforcement of protections for free expression. Occasional censorship, restrictive laws, and political influence over the press undermine public

Senegal

Senegal is experiencing an unprecedented decline in openness. Once a beacon of democracy in the region, the country has seen a rise in media crackdowns, internet shutdowns, and arrests of

Mali

Mali’s civic space remains heavily constrained, shaped by years of political instability and military governance. Journalists face tight restrictions on security reporting, while civil society operates in a climate of

Burkina Faso

Following multiple coups, Burkina Faso’s information space has become highly restricted. Authorities frequently suspend media outlets and limit public gatherings, citing national security. Independent journalism faces mounting pressure, and civic

Ghana

Ghana continues to rank among the region’s more open societies but faces emerging threats to its long-standing democratic reputation. Growing political polarization, online harassment of journalists, and occasional interference in

Nigeria

Nigeria’s media landscape is vibrant but under strain. Journalists and activists often navigate intimidation, censorship, and arbitrary arrests, particularly when reporting on corruption or governance. Despite constitutional guarantees, the practical