Analyses and data chart press freedom conditions throughout the region. Mohamed Keita examines the growing risk from media-savvy insurgents, while Tom Rhodes probes oil, money, and secrecy in East Africa.

Africa



Video: CPJ Risk List

From Somalia, where murders soared, to Ethiopia, where terror laws are used to silence journalists, the 10 countries where press freedom suffered the most in 2012.


Analysis
New oil deals drive optimism, but the public knows little about the details.
 
Analysis
As seen in Mali and Nigeria, the rise of media-savvy extremist groups is a potent risk.


Analysis
Governments exploit national security laws to punish critical journalists.


Analysis

The Spy in Your Pocket

Your cellphone allows authorities to locate you and uncover your sources.


Africa


Forced Into Exile by Year

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2012

2009


Regional Data

14

Journalists Killed in 2012

217

Journalists in Exile, 2007-12



126

Journalists Killed Since 1992

44

Imprisoned on December 1, 2012



82

Unsolved Journalist Murders Since 1992

5

Missing as of December 31, 2012


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Democratic
Republic
of Congo

90 Anti-press attacks, with a sharp rise in the conflict-ridden east.
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Eritrea

1st Most censored nation in the world, CPJ finds. No international reporters are allowed, and domestic media are under absolute state control.

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Ethiopia

49 Journalists forced into exile since 2007. Intimidation and repression were causes.
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Kenya

67% Most attacks occurred in small towns. Corruption was a vulnerable beat.

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Mali

45 Radio stations censored or attacked. Rebels, militants were behind most attacks.
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Nigeria

2 News organizations targeted in bomb attacks by Boko Haram.

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Rwanda

3 Critical journalists imprisoned on December 1.
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Somalia

12 Journalists killed in the deadliest year on record for the Somali press.

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Tanzania

1 Journalist killed by police, the first work-related fatality CPJ has recorded in Tanzania.
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Togo

3 Journalists assaulted by police during coverage of anti-government protests.

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Uganda

24 Journalists assaulted, most of them attacked by police during opposition-related events.

Research by CPJ Advocacy Coordinator Mohamed Keita and CPJ’s Nairobi-based consultant, Tom Rhodes.


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Book Cover Support CPJ: Purchase a copy of Attacks on the Press: 2013 Edition

Slideshow: Year in Photos

Slideshow: Year in Photos