African journalists face economic instability and security threats

A report by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), titled “Journalism Under Siege: Terrible Working Conditions and the Decline of Press Freedom in Africa,” reveals severe professional challenges across 45 countries. Based on a survey of 1,586 professionals, the findings highlight deep economic precarity: 61% of respondents earn insufficient income to cover essential needs, 62% work without written contracts, 58% experience salary delays, and 71% lack social protection.

Security concerns are equally critical, with 65% of journalists reporting threats or intimidation related to their work within the last three years. Only 17% of those surveyed feel consistently safe in their profession. These pressures have led to widespread self-censorship, with 84% of respondents admitting to practicing it frequently or occasionally, and 69% having abandoned specific topics due to threats.

The report also notes digital risks, including online harassment affecting 36% of participants, and highlights that female journalists face additional dangers such as gender-based online violence and sexual harassment. The cumulative impact of these conditions has led to significant professional burnout, with 44% of respondents reporting frequent exhaustion.