2026 Press Freedom Index: Mixed Results for Lusophone Nations
The landscape of press freedom across the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) showed significant shifts this year. While the majority of Lusophone nations climbed the global rankings, both Cape Verde and Angola saw their positions deteriorate, according to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index released today by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
Mixed Results for African Lusophone Nations
Cape Verde, long considered a regional leader for democratic values, fell 10 places to 40th position. Despite the drop, it remains the second-highest-ranked CPLP member, trailing only Portugal (10th). RSF noted that while Cape Verde’s Constitution guarantees media independence, the government’s direct appointment of state media directors continues to undermine true editorial freedom.
Angola recorded the sharpest decline and the worst overall ranking among the group, sliding nine spots to 109th. The report emphasized that censorship and heavy-handed information control remain daily obstacles for Angolan journalists.
In contrast, Guinea-Bissau and Equatorial Guinea both rose in the rankings compared to last year. However, RSF cautioned that these gains are largely statistical rather than reflective of a safe environment. In Equatorial Guinea specifically, authorities exercise “rigid control,” and independent media is virtually non-existent, with the government frequently sidelining public interest information in favor of official propaganda.
Gains for Brazil and Timor-Leste
The news was more positive for Lusophone nations in the Americas and Asia. Brazil continued its upward trajectory, climbing from 63rd in 2025 to 52nd this year. Timor-Leste also saw a significant boost, jumping nine spots from 39th to 30th globally. Mozambique recorded a modest improvement, moving up two positions to 99th.
A Global Crisis for Independent Journalism
The 2026 report paints a grim picture of the global media landscape, stating that press freedom has hit its lowest level in a quarter-century. This decline is largely driven by the increasing criminalization of journalism and political interference.
Key Global Findings:
- The Leaders: Norway remains the world leader in press freedom, standing as the only nation to receive an “excellent” rating. It is followed by the Netherlands, Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.
- Regional Struggles: The Sahel region experienced the most dramatic collapse. Niger fell 37 places to 120th, a symptom of the volatility caused by military juntas and armed conflict.
- African Context: South Africa is currently the highest-ranked African nation (21st), while Eritrea remains at the bottom of the global index in 180th place.
São Tomé and Príncipe was the only CPLP member state not included in this year’s index. As the world faces a “criminalization of journalism,” the RSF report serves as a stark reminder of the fragile balance between state power and the public’s right to know.
Image: Pexels – Suzy Hazelwood
