Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the suspension of Voice of America (VOA) programming across sub-Saharan Africa, calling it a “serious blow” to the region’s right to information.

RSF says the move has left millions without access to trusted news, sparking major concerns over press freedom and information access.

The decision by the U.S. government to halt all VOA broadcasts after 62 years has disrupted programming on over 1,000 community stations across Africa. Many of these relied on VOA for content in local languages, from Kiswahili in the DRC to Hausa in West Africa. In rural areas, community stations have been forced to cut back their schedules, with some facing shutdown due to a lack of content and resources.

RSF Sub-Saharan Africa Director, Sadibou Marong highlighted that the shutdown has also left several journalists unemployed and worsened the information vacuum in areas affected by conflict and insecurity.

In response, RSF has taken legal action in the U.S., seeking the reinstatement of VOA staff and the resumption of its programming.

Listeners from countries like Zimbabwe, Niger, Burundi, and the DRC are now left to rely on social media, which is often filled with misinformation. RSF continues to push for international support and alternative solutions to restore vital information services across the region.