The Liberalist

According to the Freedom in the World 2025 report, only eight African nations are classified as “Free”, while 46 fall under “Partly Free” or “Not Free. Perhaps the most troubling development in recent years is the resurgence of military coups, with multiple governments overthrown since 2020. While frustration with corruption and poor governance is understandable, history shows that military rule rarely delivers stability or prosperity. Our latest LoR gives you a picture of what democracy looks like in Africa.

Happy International Women’s Day! Today, we celebrate the incredible women at the Liberalist Centre and The Liberalist who are driving change, defending freedom and striving to spread the ideas of liberty. Their dedication to advancing human prosperity is inspiring. To all the women breaking barriers, challenging norms, and leading with courage—your voices matter, your work is powerful, and your impact is undeniable. Let’s continue to champion individual freedom and equal opportunity for all. #IWD2025 #WomenOfLiberalist #TheLiberalistCentre

The latest Freedom in the World report reveals an alarming trend: global freedom has declined for the 19th consecutive year, with 60 countries registering losses in political rights and civil liberties. From manipulated elections to violent repression, the data paints a dire picture. But amidst the challenges, citizens continue to stand up and make their voices heard. Full article available via link in our bio and check out these excerpts to know more about the state of democracy in 2024 and further implications in the coming years. Read here too: https://lnkd.in/dsEjm2Bh #democracy #freedom #humanrights

According to the latest Freedom House‘s report on Freedom in the World, global freedom has declined for the 19th consecutive year, with 60 countries experiencing erosion of political rights and civil liberties. This trend isn't limited to authoritarian regimes; even democracies have seen elections marred by violence and suppression. This analysis highlights the growing connection between armed conflict and political repression. However, there are glimmers of hope in countries like Senegal and Bangladesh, where citizens are fighting for democracy. To know more about this disturbing trend and the fight for democracy, consider reading the full article by Abdullah Tijani, our Managing Editor: https://lnkd.in/dsEjm2Bh #Democracy #EconomicFreedom #FreedomintheWorld #FreedomintheWorldReport #HumanRights #RuleofLaw ©TheLiberalist

The Liberalist Centre has secured a grant from the Institute of Economic Affairs - London under the Whetstone Freedom Fund Grant Programme to support the 2025 Journalism for Liberty Fellowship. This funding will enable the organisation to recruit journalists from Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia to produce pro-freedom stories, promoting free markets, limited government, and the rule of law. The application for the 2025 Journalism for Liberty Fellowship was launched in February 2025 and opened until 1 March. Read full report: https://lnkd.in/dYhYtSpf #InstituteofEconomicAffairs #JournalismforLibertyFellowship #LiberalistCentre #Pressfreedom #RuleofLaw ©TheLiberalist

For much of modern history, elections have been the ultimate test of democracy, when citizens exercise their right to choose their leaders. But in 2024, with more than half the world’s population heading to the polls, elections became something else entirely: a tool of repression. But the most alarming trend of 2024 wasn’t just election manipulation, it was the growing connection between armed conflict and political repression. Our latest Letter of Reasoning features Abdullah Tijani’s in-depth analysis of Freedom House’s Freedom in the World 2025 report, examining the persistent decline of global freedom.

#ICYMI: Our latest headline highlights include African governments scrambling to fill the gap left by USAID’s withdrawal, the Nigeria Customs Service reversing the highly criticized 4% import levy due to media pressure, and the Oyo State Government revamping a neglected rural school after our investigative report. Read more by clicking the link in our bio or visit our website: www.theliberalist.org #Headlines #Highlights #Impact #ForeignPolicy #Africa #USAID

Oyo state government has rehabilitated a dilapidated school building and deployed four teachers to Community Primary School, Tewure-Ju, in Orire Local Government, following a report by The Liberalist. During The Liberalist’s follow-up visit in February 2025, PTA teacher Mrs. Oluwuyi, who was the school’s sole educator in 2023, expressed immense relief and gratitude. She introduced The Liberalist reporter to the newly assigned teachers, crediting the publication for the school’s transformation. Read as reported by Abdulrasheed Akere: https://lnkd.in/gqS24UVx #NeglectedSchools #Oyo #Oyostate #Rural #TheLiberalist #Impact ©TheLiberalist

LAST CALL! Will you miss the chance to apply for our Journalism for Liberty Fellowship? Deadline is around the corner! Don’t miss this opportunity to take your journalism career to the next level! Our Journalism for Liberty Fellowship application is still open, and the deadline is March 1st, 2025. As a fellow, you’ll receive: - Intensive training and mentorship from experienced journalists and industry experts - Weekly activities and further engagement with a community of fellows and alumni - Opportunities to publish your work in major media outlets in Nigeria, Kenya, and Zambia - A $100 stories grant to support your reporting Since 2022, we have been training journalists in Nigeria, and last year we extended to Tanzania. This year, we are expanding to Kenya and Zambia. Our previous fellows have achieved impressive success, with publications in top media outlets in Nigeria. Don’t wait – apply now and join the movement to promote press freedom and liberty in Africa! Click link in our bio to apply or apply via: https://lnkd.in/dc9KpZEy Deadline: March 1st, 2025. #applications #opportunities #fellowships #journalists

The abrupt withdrawal of American aid has exposed African nations’ dependence on foreign funding, forcing them to seek domestic alternatives. In response, some governments have moved swiftly to offset the loss. According to The Associated Press (AP), over 8 million people are HIV-positive in South Africa, and they constantly rely on funding for medical support from the President's Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR), a United Nations aid agency. Read full analysis here by Usman Yakubu Usman: https://lnkd.in/gKE8Erra #Africa #ForeignAids #Health #NGOs #USAID ©TheLiberalist