Abductions, Assaults, and Censorship: The State of Press Freedom for Women Journalists in Africa
Between 2019 and 2024, a total of 258 press violations against women journalists were documented in Africa, representing part of the 3,255 global violations recorded in this period. While the number of violations in Africa may appear lower compared to regions like the Middle East and Europe, this discrepancy likely reflects underreporting, especially of non-violent violations such as online harassment. The most alarming aspect of our monitoring of attacks against women journalists in Africa is the disproportionately high number of extreme violations, including physical assaults, detentions, abductions, and killings.
These more violent incidents, often more likely to be reported and publicized, highlight the life-threatening dangers women journalists in Africa face, particularly in conflict zones or politically charged environments. 30% of violations documented by Women Press Freedom were physical assaults, and 17% involved detentions. The abduction of six women journalists in Nigeria further illustrates the risks facing the press.
Protests have also been dangerous, with 25% of the documented violations occurring during demonstrations. Recent surges in attacks during anti-government protests in Kenya and Senegal, and the increased targeting of journalists in Zimbabwe ahead of elections, show the perilous environment for the press across the continent.
The geographical spread of press violations against women journalists in Africa between 2019 and 2024 reveals significant concentrations in North Africa. North Africa alone—comprising Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya, Sudan, and South Sudan—accounted for 33% of documented violations. Nigeria and Uganda also stand out, with a high number of cases of abductions as well as violent attacks on journalists covering politically sensitive issues or demonstrations.
While the number of violations may seem smaller on the surface, the intensity of these violent incidents targeting women journalists in Africa is a grave cause for concern.
From Bombings to Imprisonment: Journalists Targeted in War Zones
Journalists covering conflicts in Africa face severe risks, with 18 violations linked to war reporting or working in areas of conflict between 2019 and 2024. Tragically, four women journalists were killed in war zones during this period, losing their lives in civil war in Sudan, as well as in extremist bombings in Cameroon, and Somalia.
Reporting from conflict zones is a dangerous and often deadly task. In Ethiopia, Amhara women journalists have been specifically targeted by authorities, accused of inciting tensions. Two remain imprisoned since 2023, with no updates on their trials or conditions.
The dangers in these conflict areas have forced many journalists into exile or pushed them to leave the profession entirely.
Sudan: Deadly Environment for Journalists
Since conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023, the country has become one of the most dangerous places for women journalists. Threats, harassment, and physical violence are rampant. Journalists Halima Idris Salim and Samaher Abdelshafee have lost their lives.
At the heart of Sudan's conflict are two rival military leaders: Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF), and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (Hemedti), leader of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Former allies in ousting President Omar al-Bashir and orchestrating the 2021 military coup, they have since turned on each other, plunging Sudan into chaos. Women journalists are being targeted by both the RSF, military intelligence, and other actors, while local authorities offer little to no protection.
One particularly harrowing case is that of Inaam Ahmady, whose home was raided by RSF forces in El Geneina in May 2024. She was threatened at gunpoint, her property was looted, and part of her house was set on fire. After fleeing for her life, she can no longer safely practice journalism, joining many other Sudanese women forced to leave their homes and abandon their careers due to the escalating violence.
Women Journalists Killed in Conflict Zones in Africa
Top Violators: Country Overview
Egypt's Women Journalists Targeted by Repression and Violence
From 2019 to 2024, 17% of all violations against women journalists in Africa occurred in Egypt. The environment for women in the press is marked by arrests, detentions, and legal harassment. Despite some progress, such as the release of three journalists in February 2024, press freedom remains severely restricted.
Over the last five years, women journalists in Egypt faced a spectrum of press freedom violations, including:
Frequent arbitrary arrests, often linked to protests, critical reporting, or support for political causes. Case Example: Esraa Abdel-Fattah was arrested on October 13, 2019 and was held in pre-trial detention for over one year without a trial or final verdict. In custody she faced physical assault and intimidation. Her detention was widely criticized as a tactic to silence dissenting voices.
Lawsuits and charges such as “spreading false news” or “joining terrorist groups” used to suppress dissent and critical journalism. Case Example: Sanaa Seif, an Egyptian activist and journalist, faced multiple legal charges including “offending public officials” and “spreading false information” in 2020. Her charges were related to her reporting on human rights abuses and her public activism. She was repeatedly summoned for questioning and faced several trials, contributing to a chilling effect on her reporting activities.
The suspension of media outlets and legal actions against journalists and their outlets, such as the case of Mada Masr. Case Example: Mada Masr, an independent news outlet, faced multiple closures and suspensions in 2021. The authorities targeted the outlet for its critical reporting on government policies, leading to the shutdown of its operations and harassment of its journalists, including women reporters.
Reports of physical and sexual abuse while in custody. Case Example:Solafa Magdy, a freelance journalist known for her reporting on human rights, minorities, and social issues, was arrested on November 26, 2019, along with her husband. They were charged with spreading false information and being part of a terrorist organization. While in detention at Al-Qanatar women’s prison, Solafa endured severe physical and sexual abuse. During one incident, she was forcibly stripped and dragged across the floor, resulting in heavy bleeding.
Direct threats from authorities and intimidation tactics to stifle dissent. Case Example: Doaa Khalifa of Al-Dostor newspaper accused Colonel Ahmed Shaaban, a presidential aide for media, of threatening and intimidating her due to her dissenting views in 2020. In a Facebook video, she claimed Shaaban was blackmailing her and attempting to discredit her through state-controlled media and threats of detention.
From Physical Assaults to Abductions: The Growing Risks for Women Journalists in Nigeria
Data from Women Press Freedom reveals a disturbing trend of increasing violence against women journalists in Nigeria from 2019 to 2024. Nigerian incidents account for 12% of all press violations in Africa during this period. The violations include physical assaults, abductions, harassment, intimidation, and even assassination attempts.
Physical Assaults: Women journalists frequently face physical violence, including attacks by security operatives and other individuals. This represents the most common form of violent press violation reported.
Abductions: Journalists are often kidnapped by armed groups or unknown assailants, with incidents involving ransom demands or severe threats.
Online and Workplace Harassment: Women journalists endure significant online abuse and workplace discrimination, impacting their mental health and job performance.
Intimidation and Threats: Common threats and intimidation tactics aim to silence dissenting voices and prevent coverage of sensitive issues.