A fresh wave of growing intolerance is sweeping across governments in East Africa, a region that has historically seemed half-hearted about embracing democratic principles.

Across the East African Community (EAC), vocal opposition leaders are finding it rough. Some face threats of criminal charges while others suffer detention. And respective governments, which face accusations of advancing authoritarianism, seem to be “watching each other’s backs,” as Macharia Munene, a professor of leadership and international relations, described to the Sunday Standard.