The state of global democracy in 2026 remains under significant pressure, with international organisations warning about the rise of digital censorship, disinformation, and restrictions on civil liberties. According to Freedom House, internet freedom has recorded its 15th consecutive year of global decline, affecting both authoritarian regimes and democracies considered stable.
In Africa, the internet has become a central tool for social mobilisation, anti-corruption advocacy, and youth political participation. However, several governments continue to restrict digital access during periods of political tension. The “Freedom on the Net 2025” report highlights that Kenya experienced one of the sharpest declines in digital freedom following temporary internet shutdowns during national protests in 2024.
“Online spaces are more manipulated than ever, as authorities seek to promote favourable narratives and distort public discourse,” warns Freedom House.
On the other hand, countries such as South Africa maintain a relatively open digital environment, although they still face challenges related to online disinformation, electoral manipulation, and digital surveillance. Meanwhile, in Sudan and Ethiopia, armed conflicts and political instability continue to affect access to information and fundamental rights.
The latest Democracy Index by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) indicates that despite some signs of democratic stabilisation in 2025, institutional fragilities and growing authoritarian influence persist across several regions of the world. “From Generation Z protests demanding government accountability in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa to the sharp erosion of civil liberties and government functioning in the United States, political risk remains a dominant and unpredictable force,” the report states.
Experts argue that the future of democracy will increasingly depend on how countries regulate digital spaces, protect online freedom of expression, and combat manipulation campaigns driven by artificial intelligence.
