Mali Shuts Down TV News Station Over Criticism of Burkina Faso’s Junta

Mali cuts the signal of a TV news station following its broadcast criticizing Burkina Faso’s ruling junta, raising concerns about press freedom in the region.

According to a journalist from Joliba TV News, Mali’s ruling junta has shut down the broadcaster’s signal following an incident where a prominent politician criticized the military leaders of neighboring Burkina Faso during a televised debate.

“This morning, the authorities interrupted our TV channel signal; however, we remain optimistic that they will reinstate it shortly,” said Attaher Halidou, the journalist who moderated the debate, to The Associated Press.

Earlier this month, Malian authorities arrested and detained politician Issa Kaou N’Djim following his statement during a debate on Joliba TV, where he accused the military rulers of Burkina Faso of fabricating evidence regarding a foiled coup in September. The broadcaster’s director was also interrogated by the authorities.

The recent move to suspend Joliba TV’s signal represents the latest effort to suppress press freedom and political dissent in Mali, which has been under military rule since 2020.

In June, the authorities detained 11 opposition politicians along with several activists. This occurred after the junta prohibited media coverage of political party and association activities.

The Press House of Mali, an organization representing journalists and media outlets in the West African nation, warned on Sunday that it would rebroadcast the televised debate if authorities decided to revoke Joliba’s license.

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According to Bandiougou Danté, the president of the press organization, “We are currently negotiating with Malian authorities to reach a comprehensive solution that addresses not only the restoration of Joliba TV’s broadcast signal but also concerns regarding its potential license withdrawal and any other issues affecting press freedom,” he informed The Associated Press.

N’Djim served as a vice president of Mali’s National Transitional Council, the legislative body under military rule. He eventually distanced himself from the junta and expressed support for restoring electoral democracy. In 2021, he was sentenced to six months in prison after criticizing the military regime on social media.

Since a succession of coups leveraged public dissatisfaction over security concerns with previous democratically elected governments, Mali has been governed by military regimes. Alongside Niger and Burkina Faso, it is part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a mutual defense agreement established by these three countries in 2023.

Analysts report that the security situation in AES member countries has deteriorated recently, with Islamic extremist attacks reaching record numbers. Additionally, government forces have faced accusations of killing civilians suspected of collaborating with militants.