It is crucial that universities, funders, and governments involved in cooperation with North African HEIs, scholars, or students do not – even unintentionally – contribute to the deterioration of academic freedom. Therefore, the former should refrain from partnerships with organisations that have close ties to the incumbent regimes, or at least practise due diligence. HEIs as well as funding and international-exchange organisations should use their leverage to protect and promote academic freedom and university autonomy in the region and establish programmes to support students and scholars at risk. If those participating in such programmes are targeted by defamation campaigns or law-enforcement officials, their institutions, colleagues, and funders must stand up for their partners unequivocally.