Read this article published by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) discussing the findings of a new study monitoring civic space in Mozambique, Nigeria, and Pakistan. It found that autocratic behaviour and democratic freedoms have been excessively restricted during the pandemic.
"Researchers found that while restrictive measures to protect public health were necessary, Covid-19 was also used as a cover for curtailing offline and online freedoms integral to democratic debate and civic action, including implementing emergency measures without time limits, and silencing or eliminating critics.
The report ‘Navigating Civic Space in a Time of Covid’, by the Action for Empowerment and Accountability (A4EA) research programme, is based on a collaborative study that catalogued events through real-time research with civil society in three countries – Mozambique, Nigeria, and Pakistan – from June to December 2020."
