RSF spearheaded a collective effort involving nearly 30 media outlets and human rights organizations to champion press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. In an open letter addressed to the governments of both countries, regional institutions, and the international community, they urge an end to intimidation and violence against local and foreign journalists. The letter emphasizes the need for these nations to honor their international commitments regarding freedom of expression and press freedom, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The signatories include local media outlets Joliba Tv News in Mali and Lefaso.net in Burkina Faso, press freedom organizations such as the African Journalists Federation (FAJ), the International Francophone Press Union (UPF), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), alongside international media partners.

Both Mali and Burkina Faso have seen a decline in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, ranking 113th and 58th respectively out of 180 countries.

Urgent concerns over journalist safety in Mali and Burkina Faso

Mali and Burkina Faso are grappling with escalating threats to press freedom. Journalists face murder threats, harassment, arbitrary arrests, and violent attacks. International media outlets like RFI and France 24 have been suspended, while local journalists have been subjected to fabricated charges, sackings of newsrooms, and online smear campaigns.

Notable incidents include:

• The sacking of Bamako’s Press House on February 20, 2023
• The arrest and imprisonment of journalist Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (Ras Bath) for criticizing the government
• The abduction of journalist Aliou Touré by armed men in April 2023
• The suspension of Joliba TV for airing critical editorials

In Burkina Faso, the Superior Council of Communication (CSC) has publicly expressed concern over the recurrent threats against media organizations, while the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has condemned the deteriorating media environment.

Call for immediate action to protect journalists

The open letter outlines six key demands to the authorities in Mali and Burkina Faso:

• Cease all measures undermining press freedom and protect journalists from violence and intimidation
• Ensure security forces and judicial bodies actively address threats and harassment against journalists
• Guarantee the safety of all media professionals facing threats or attacks
• Conduct impartial and thorough investigations into abuses against journalists and hold perpetrators accountable
• Honor international commitments on freedom of expression and press freedom, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights
• Secure regional and international support for these demands, emphasizing that access to information is a fundamental right

The letter concludes with a powerful reminder: “In times of security crises, journalists play a crucial role in informing citizens. While understanding the complexity of the political and military context, they must not be silenced under the pretext of combating terrorism.”