press freedom crisis in Mali and Burkina Faso sparks international outcry

Under the leadership of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), nearly thirty human rights and media organizations have issued a joint appeal to authorities in Mali and Burkina Faso, demanding an immediate halt to escalating press freedom violations in both nations.

urgent call for press freedom protection

In an unprecedented coordinated effort, RSF and a coalition of 29 media outlets and civil society organizations have sent an open letter to governments in Mali and Burkina Faso, regional bodies, and international institutions. The signatories urge authorities to:

• Cease all intimidation tactics against local and foreign journalists
• Uphold international commitments regarding freedom of expression and press freedom
• Ensure the safety of media professionals facing threats
• Conduct impartial investigations into attacks on journalists
• Respect the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights

alarming press freedom rankings

The initiative comes as Burkina Faso and Mali have both dropped significantly in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, ranking 58th and 113th respectively out of 180 countries. This decline reflects growing concerns about systematic restrictions on independent journalism in both nations.

rising threats to journalists and media outlets

Since early 2022, both countries have witnessed a concerning pattern of press freedom violations:

in Burkina Faso

• Military authorities have banned several news outlets including RFI and France 24
• Journalists face increased harassment and threats on social media
• The Superior Council of Communication has publicly expressed concerns about recurring threats against media organizations
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has voiced alarm over the deteriorating media environment

in Mali

• The Maison de la Presse in Bamako was ransacked in February 2023
• Prominent journalist Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (Ras Bath) was imprisoned for criticizing authorities
• Joliba TV News was suspended by the High Authority of Communication for critical editorial content
• Several French media outlets have been expelled or suspended
• Journalist Aliou Touré was abducted and held for four days

coordinated international response

The letter addresses key regional and international bodies including:

• African Union
• ECOWAS Commission
• UN Human Rights Council
• UNESCO
• International Organisation of La Francophonie
• West African media regulatory bodies

The initiative highlights concerns about:

• Increased online harassment campaigns by regime-aligned influencers
• Widespread fake news dissemination targeting independent journalists
• Systematic impunity for attacks against media professionals
• Erosion of democratic debate through information control

voices from the frontline

“This solidarity initiative underscores the critical importance of press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. As the world celebrates World Press Freedom Day, authorities in both countries must recognize the gravity of the situation and take immediate action to protect journalists from retaliation.”

extensive coalition of supporters

The open letter has garnered support from:

• Regional media organizations like Joliba TV News (Mali), Lefaso.net (Burkina Faso), and 24heures.bf
• International press freedom groups including the African Journalists Federation, International Federation of Journalists, and Media Foundation for West Africa
• Major international outlets such as France 24, Jeune Afrique, Libération, and Le Monde
• Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch and FIDH

demands for immediate action

The coalition’s key demands include:

• Immediate end to all press freedom violations in both countries
• Protection for journalists facing threats or attacks
• Independent investigations into all attacks against media professionals
• Respect for international obligations regarding freedom of expression
• Support from regional and international bodies for press freedom initiatives

The letter concludes with an urgent appeal to protect the fundamental right of citizens to access reliable information through professional, independent media.

signatories of the joint appeal

May 2, 2023 – This coordinated appeal represents one of the most significant regional efforts to defend press freedom in West Africa in recent years.