Human rights defenders and journalists reporting on environmental issues in Africa are among the most common targets for Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). A new primer from the International Press Institute (IPI) explains how these lawsuits are used against environmental journalists and defenders in Africa to silence critical reporting, and what states should do about it.
In July 2026, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights adopted its first resolution on SLAPPs, calling for a study on their nature and scope across the continent and on the means to address them.
The primer explains what that resolution opens up, and why abusive litigation threatens rights guaranteed under the African Charter, including expression, information, and participation. It closes with key recommendations for governments and six practical measures, from enacting anti-SLAPP legislation and supporting an independent judiciary to training judicial officers and ensuring legal aid reaches those who are sued.