Introduction: The Role of Legislation in Democracy

Democracy thrives on the backbone of legislation, which anchors its principles and protects its practices. At its core, legislation is a safeguard for the rights and freedoms of individuals, ensuring that the civic spaces—both physical and digital—remain open, inclusive, and robust. Civic spaces are the clearest proof of democracy’s presence and health, offering a platform for citizens to express themselves, advocate for their rights, and hold leaders accountable. In an increasingly digital world, however, the nature of these spaces has evolved, becoming both a beacon of hope and a battleground for control.

Legislation as the Anchor of Democracy

The legislative framework of any democracy determines its strength. Laws shape the contours of participation, either enabling robust engagement or stifling dissent. In Africa, the protection of civic spaces—defined by their ability to accommodate free speech, peaceful assembly, and association—has often been tested by political, economic, and social forces.

When legislation is wielded as an instrument of inclusion, it strengthens democracy. Conversely, when it is deployed to suppress dissent, it reveals the fragility of democratic ideals. Civic spaces, both physical and digital, are critical indicators of democracy’s health, as they provide citizens with the tools to engage meaningfully in governance.

The Emergence and Evolution of Digital Civic Spaces

The digital civic spaces in different African regions have become a vibrant extension of traditional civic spaces. Over the years, key moments have demonstrated the power of digital platforms in amplifying citizens’ voices:

West Africa: A journey of Digital Activism and Governance Reforms

Nigeria

Nigeria has one of the most vibrant digital civic spaces in Africa, with online activism playing a major role in governance, protests, and policy changes.

• #LightUpNigeria (2009) – This was one of Nigeria’s earliest online movements demanding better electricity supply. Frustrated by constant power outages, young people took to Twitter, Facebook, and blogs to campaign for reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
• #OccupyNigeria (2012) – A large-scale protest against the removal of fuel subsidies was heavily mobilized via social media. Protesters used Twitter and Facebook to coordinate mass demonstrations, share updates, and expose police brutality.
• #BringBackOurGirls (2014) – This campaign, sparked by the abduction of over 270 schoolgirls by Boko Haram, became a global digital movement, forcing the Nigerian government to acknowledge and respond to the crisis.
• #EndSARS (2020) – Perhaps Nigeria’s most impactful digital activism movement, #EndSARS mobilized millions of young people against police brutality. Activists used Twitter, Instagram, and WhatsApp to document abuse, coordinate protests, and fundraise for victims. The movement gained global solidarity, forcing the government to disband the SARS police unit.

The Gambia

• #GambiaHasDecided (2016) – Digital activism played a crucial role in the ouster of long-time dictator Yahya Jammeh. Online political organization, working alongside grassroots efforts, helped unite opposition forces and pressured Jammeh to step down after losing elections. The movement transformed Gambia from what was once described as a “feckless democracy” into an active political landscape.

Ghana

• #FixTheCountry (2021) – This online advocacy campaign demanded better governance, improved infrastructure, and economic reforms. It became one of Ghana’s most significant social media-driven movements, forcing politicians to publicly address the complaints of citizens.
• #StopGalamseyNow (2024) – A digital campaign calling for an end to illegal small-scale mining (“galamsey”), which has caused severe deforestation and water pollution. Online activism led to stronger government regulations and crackdowns on illegal mining.
• #FreeTheCitizens (2024) – Following mass arrests of protestors, social media campaigns demanded justice for those detained. This movement amplified the importance of digital platforms in protecting human rights and freedom of assembly.

Francophone Africa: Stories of Digital Resistance and Political Change

Senegal

• The Pastef Opposition Party (2014–Present) – In an environment where state-controlled media limits political opposition, digital platforms have been crucial for mobilizing supporters and countering government narratives. Youth engagement through Twitter, Facebook, and Telegram has strengthened opposition efforts and kept political movements alive despite government crackdowns.

Burkina Faso

• #BalaiCitoyen (2014) – This movement, which translates to “Citizen’s Broom,” was instrumental in removing President Blaise Compaoré from power. Social media allowed activists to rapidly mobilize thousands of citizens, coordinate street protests, and document police brutality.

DR Congo

• LUCHA (2015) – The youth-led movement Lutte pour le Changement (LUCHA) used Twitter and WhatsApp to campaign against President Joseph Kabila’s attempt to extend his tenure. Their digital activism gained international attention and contributed to political pressure on Kabila to step down.

Ivory Coast

• Election Protests (2020) – Amid controversy over President Alassane Ouattara’s third-term bid, opposition groups used Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter to organize protests, document election fraud, and report electoral violence.

Cameroon

• #BringBackOurInternet (2017 and 2018) – The Cameroonian government shut down the internet in Anglophone regions to suppress protests. This digital blackout triggered global condemnation, with activists using VPNs and external platforms to raise awareness and demand restoration of internet access.

Southern Africa: Social Media as a Tool for Justice and Policy Change

South Africa

• #FeesMustFall (2015) – A student-led movement against rising university fees. Social media helped students mobilize nationwide protests, expose government inefficiencies, and pressure universities to lower tuition costs.

Zimbabwe

• #ThisFlag (2016) – Zimbabwean activist Evan Mawarire launched this campaign against economic mismanagement and government corruption. Online activism played a significant role in fueling anti-Mugabe sentiment, leading to his resignation in 2017 after nearly 40 years in power.

Namibia

• #ShutItAllDown (2020) – A movement against sexual and gender-based violence, following the murder of a young woman, Shannon Wasserfall. Online activism mobilized protests, leading to stronger laws on gender-based violence.

eSwatini (Swaziland)

• #EswatiniProtests (2021-2023) – Citizens used social media to demand democratic reforms in Africa’s last absolute monarchy. The government responded with internet shutdowns, but activists continued to organize using alternative digital platforms.

East Africa: Tales of Digital Campaigns and Political Resistance

Sudan

• #SudanUprising (2018) – Youth-led digital activism forced the removal of President Omar al-Bashir after 30 years of dictatorship. Online campaigns generated global solidarity and played a key role in the transition to civilian-led governance.

Ethiopia

• #KeepItOn (2020-2025) – Amidst the Tigray conflict, Ethiopia experienced one of the world’s longest internet shutdowns. Digital campaigns raised international awareness and put pressure on the government to restore internet access.

Kenya

• #RejectFinanceBill2024 (2024) – This movement, led by Kenyan youth, used Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to mobilize protests against a controversial finance bill. The pressure led to the bill’s withdrawal and a government cabinet reshuffle.

Uganda

• #FreeStellaNyanzi (2022) – A feminist digital campaign demanding the release of jailed activist Stella Nyanzi, highlighting the importance of free speech in Uganda

From #YenAMarre to #EndSARS and most recently #RejectFinancebill2024 these movements demonstrate how young Africans use digital spaces to drive governance reforms.

The Legislative Challenge: Protection or Restriction?

While civic spaces are critical to democracy, they have often been threatened by legislative efforts aimed at restricting them. Laws targeting social media platforms, represent attempts to control the last standing civic space: the digital space and many of those examples are evident on the continent such as:

• Nigeria: Recurring attempts to pass Social Media and Hate speech Bills to regulate digital expression.
• Uganda: Computer Misuse Act (2022) used to jail a TikToker for criticizing the president.
• Kenya: Digital activists abducted or killed for online criticism of the government.
• Tanzania: Media outlets shut down under Electronic and Postal Communications Regulations (2020).
• Senegal: Activists arrested for pro-opposition social media posts during political unrest.
• Cameroon: Cybercrime laws criminalizing discussions on the president’s health.
• Sierra Leone: Cybersecurity and Crime Act used to target journalists despite promises of press freedom.
• Burundi: Strict blogger registration laws and election-related social media blackouts.

 Legislation must protect civic spaces—not stifle, shrink or reduce them.

A Legislative Solution: The Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (DRFB)

One of the most significant legislative efforts to safeguard digital civic spaces is the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (DRFB). Emerging from work that started in 2013, the bill sought to provide a robust framework for protecting online rights, ensuring that Nigerians could exercise their freedoms without fear of surveillance or censorship.

Year	Milestone
2013-2014	Civil society, led by Paradigm Initiative, drafts the bill.
2016	Hon. Chukwuemeka Ukam sponsors and presents the bill.
2019	Bill denied presidential assent under Buhari’s administration.
2020-2024	The bill returned to legislative discourse, with advocates pushing for its passage. The bill has returned to the 10th National Assembly as House Bill (HB 1739) sponsored by Hon. Chris Nkwonta.
2025?	Will this be the year the bill finally becomes law? Advocates remain hopeful, as the demand for digital rights grows louder.

The DRFB would safeguard online freedoms, protect against digital surveillance, and uphold press rights. Its passage would set a precedent for other African countries.

The Future: Digital Rights, Digital Economy, and Digital Africa

The intersection of digital rights and the digital economy presents a unique opportunity for Africa to chart a progressive path forward. By protecting digital rights, Africa can unlock the potential of its burgeoning digital economy, fostering innovation, investment, and inclusivity.

Civil society organizations, including Paradigm Initiative (PIN), have been at the forefront of this advocacy on of which is through our 12th Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF) will convene from April 29 – May 1, 2025, in Lusaka, bringing together stakeholders to shape Africa’s digital future.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

The battle for legislative protection of digital rights is far from over. As governments tighten control, civil society must push back with stronger advocacy, strategic litigation, and public engagement.

The Digital Rights and Freedom Bill is a test of Nigeria’s commitment to internet freedom and democratic governance. Its fate, like many others across Africa, depends on the collective will of lawmakers, activists, and citizens.

Will 2025 be the year Africa prioritizes digital rights? The answer lies in the actions we take today.

Authored by: 

Chiti Mutati (Programmes Officer, Southern Africa)
Khadijah El-Usman (Senior Programmes Officer, Anglophone West Africa)
Miriam Beatrice Wanjiru (Programmes Officer, East Africa)
Moussa Waly SENE (Programmes Officer, Francophone Africa)