*New threat to Journalists detected* By Anesu Masamvu | Journalist State-sponsored surveillance and spyware have become a fresh and dangerous threat to journalists and civil society actors across East and Southern Africa, a new report reveals. The report, titled "Surveillance/Spyware: An Impediment to Civil Society, HRDs and Journalists in East and Southern Africa", developed by Unwanted Witness Uganda in partnership with the Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), reveals that governments and corporations in countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are deploying advanced surveillance tools to monitor, control, and suppress civil society organisations and human rights defenders. Journalists—often at the frontline of uncovering abuse and holding power to account, in line with the “fourth estate” role—are among the primary targets. The report was officially launched yesterday in Harare, with media stakeholders and civil society representatives in attendance. The findings paint a troubling picture of increasing digital repression and the weaponisation of spyware to stifle dissent in the region. While authorities often justify these surveillance tactics under the guise of national security, counterterrorism, or cybercrime prevention, the report asserts that such measures are frequently abused to infringe upon fundamental rights, including privacy, freedom of expression, and freedom of association—rights that are critical to a free and independent media. > “The mere suspicion of surveillance has forced some journalists to self-censor, avoiding sensitive topics out of fear of persecution,” the report states. This environment of fear has a direct impact on the ability of the media to act as a watchdog. When journalists are unable to report freely on corruption, human rights abuses, or government misconduct, the flow of critical information to the public is disrupted, and democratic accountability suffers. The report also warns of the growing misuse of anti-terrorism and cybersecurity laws, which are being applied arbitrarily to intimidate journalists and restrict civic space. It calls for the urgent development of robust data protection frameworks, greater transparency in the use of surveillance technologies, and legal reforms to safeguard digital rights. As countries in East and Southern Africa move toward deeper digital governance, the report urges governments to strike a balance between national security and the protection of human rights—particularly the rights of journalists and civil society actors who serve as the voice of accountability. For now, many journalists in the region continue to operate under the constant threat of invisible surveillance—acutely aware that their pursuit of truth may come at the cost of their freedom or personal safety. *_Image credit: Tafadzwa Tseisi (TPT Consultancy)_*