urgent call to protect press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso

Under the leadership of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), nearly 30 human rights organizations and media outlets have issued a joint appeal to authorities in Mali and Burkina Faso, demanding an immediate halt to escalating attacks on press freedom in both nations.

In an open letter addressed to national governments, regional bodies, and the international community, the coalition highlights persistent threats against journalists, including intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and violent assaults. The signatories emphasize the urgent need for authorities to uphold their international obligations, particularly those outlined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

a coordinated defense of press freedom

Sadibou Marong, RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa director, underscored the critical importance of this initiative: “This solidarity effort highlights the vital role of press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. As World Press Freedom Day approaches, authorities must recognize the gravity of the situation and take decisive action to ensure journalists can work without fear of retaliation.”

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

alarming declines in global press freedom rankings

The letter coincides with the release of the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, which reveals a troubling drop in rankings for both countries. Burkina Faso now sits at 58th place (score: 48.52), while Mali ranks 113th (score: 45.63) out of 180 nations. This decline reflects growing systemic pressures on independent journalism in the region.

specific violations documented

The appeal details numerous violations, including:

• Burkina Faso: Suspensions of international broadcasters like RFI and France 24, expulsion of foreign correspondents, and a surge in “fake news” campaigns targeting critics of military rule.
• Mali: Attacks on press institutions (e.g., the sacking of Bamako’s Press House), arrests of commentators for criticizing government policies, and abductions of journalists by armed groups.

Civil society regulators in Burkina Faso have also sounded alarms. The Superior Council of Communication (CSC) condemned the “recurrent threats” against media outlets, while UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern over the erosion of civic space in both nations.

demands for accountability and reform

The open letter outlines six urgent demands:

• Immediate end to all measures restricting press freedom.
• Protection for journalists facing threats, with law enforcement and judicial authorities holding perpetrators accountable.
• Guaranteed safety for media professionals targeted by harassment or violence.
• Prompt, impartial investigations into abuses against journalists.
• Compliance with international human rights treaties, including the African Charter and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
• Support from regional and global leaders to defend press freedom as a fundamental right.

who has signed the appeal?

The initiative has garnered support from 30+ organizations, including:

• Media outlets: Jeune Afrique, Le Monde, Libération, RFI, France 24, and local platforms like Le Faso, L’Observateur Paalga, and 24heures.bf.
• Press freedom groups: Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Human Rights Watch (HRW), International Press Institute (IPI), and regional bodies like the West African Journalists Association (UJAO).
• Human rights organizations: FIDH, Cellule Norbert Zongo, and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

The coalition urges governments to prioritize the safety of journalists amid worsening security crises, emphasizing that counter-terrorism efforts must not justify censorship or restrictions on access to credible information.

As Alioune Tine, the UN’s independent expert on human rights in Mali, warned: “The shrinking civic space in Mali is deeply concerning. Protecting free expression is non-negotiable.”