Civic freedoms across West Africa are facing a sharp decline, with Nigeria recording the highest number of violations in the region, according to a new report by Spaces for Change (S4C).
The report, titled “Civic Space in West Africa: Trends, Threats and Futures,” paints a troubling picture of shrinking democratic space, documenting 801 violations across 16 countries between July 2022 and December 2024—a 26 per cent rise from 639 cases recorded in the previous six-year period.
Nigeria Leads in Violations
Nigeria accounted for 332 incidents—about 41 per cent of all recorded cases—placing it at the top of the regional index.
Other countries with high numbers include Guinea (74), Mali (70), Senegal (66), and Burkina Faso (57), while nations such as Cape Verde reported no violations within the period under review.
Rising Use of State Power
The report highlights a growing pattern of repression, with authorities increasingly deploying arrests, prosecutions, violence, and legal instruments to silence dissent.
A major concern is the expanding role of the judiciary in enabling restrictions on civic space. Judicially backed violations surged dramatically from just nine cases over six years to 70 cases in less than three years—an increase of nearly 700 per cent.
“Governments are no longer simply ignoring courts; they are weaponising them,” the report stated, describing the trend as a shift from judicial passivity to active complicity.
Regional Democratic Decline
S4C linked the deterioration in civic freedoms to a mix of factors, including military coups, flawed elections, insecurity, misuse of digital technologies, and demographic pressures from a rapidly growing youth population.
The report warns that what was once a country-specific issue has evolved into a broader regional crisis, describing the situation as approaching a “democratic emergency” by 2025.
Calls for Urgent Reforms
To reverse the trend, the organisation outlined key recommendations, including stronger engagement with judicial institutions, improved digital security for activists and journalists, and greater inclusion of civil society in policymaking—especially in counterterrorism efforts.
Other proposals include building alliances with grassroots movements, strengthening cross-border collaboration, and establishing a regional emergency fund to support civic actors facing repression.
Freedom of Expression Under Pressure
Speaking at the report’s unveiling, S4C Executive Director, Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, said freedom of expression remains the most suppressed right across the region.
“People who criticise public authorities… are increasingly getting into trouble. Social media comments now often lead to arrest, detention, or prosecution,” she said.
She added that rights to peaceful assembly and association, including protests against government policies, are also facing increasing restrictions.
Global Pattern, Local Resistance
Programme Director at the Fund for Global Human Rights, James Savage, noted that the findings reflect a wider global trend of shrinking civic space seen across Latin America, Europe, and Asia.
Despite the challenges, he highlighted the growing role of youth-led movements across West Africa, describing them as a sign of resilience and a continued push for accountability and democratic governance.
The report underscores mounting concerns over civil liberties in the region, even as citizens increasingly mobilise to defend their rights in a tightening political environment.
Armenian Dram
Ghana Cedi
Gambian Dalasi
Guinea Franc
Nigerian Naira
CFA Franc BEAC
