France, Feb. 26 -- The 2025 report from the Freedom House think-tank has highlighted a continued, worldwide decline in freedom, with authoritarian regimes on the rise and tightening their grip.

According to the latest report from the Washington-based NGO published this Wednesday, the African continent experienced its tenth consecutive year of declining freedom in 2023, influenced by armed conflicts, military coups, and electoral irregularities.

Fourteen countries saw score declines, while only five recorded improvements.

Niger experienced the sharpest decline, dropping 18 points following a military coup that ousted the elected government.

Elections in Madagascar, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe were marred by political violence and administrat...