Global appeal to halt press freedom violations in Mali and Burkina Faso

Under RSF’s coordination, nearly 30 media outlets and human rights defenders have joined forces to defend press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. Their joint letter, addressed to national authorities, regional bodies, and the international community, calls for an immediate halt to all forms of harassment, intimidation, and violence against journalists—both local and foreign.

The coalition emphasizes the need for Mali and Burkina Faso to honor their international commitments, particularly regarding freedom of expression and press freedom as outlined in the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The coalition’s signatories include prominent local media outlets such as Joliba Tv News in Mali and Lefaso.net in Burkina Faso, alongside leading press freedom and journalist rights organizations like the African Journalists Federation (FAJ), the International Francophone Press Union (UPF), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). International media partners have also joined this critical appeal.

Tragically, the latest World Press Freedom Index released on May 3, 2023, reflects this alarming decline. Burkina Faso and Mali now rank 58th and 113th out of 180 countries, respectively—a stark indicator of the deteriorating conditions for journalists in the region.

Open letter to protect journalists and uphold freedom of expression and press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso

• Chairperson of the African Union Heads of State and Government Conference
• Chairperson of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Conference
• Chairperson of the WAEMU Heads of State and Government Conference
• Chair of the African Union Commission
• Chair of the ECOWAS Commission
• Chair of the WAEMU Commission
• President of the Pan-African Parliament
• UN Secretary-General
• President of the UN Human Rights Council
• UNESCO Director-General
• Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF)
• Presidents of media regulatory bodies in ECOWAS member states
• President of the Francophone Media Regulators Network
• President of the Audiovisual Regulators Platform of WAEMU and Guinea
• Ministers of Communication of ECOWAS member states
• President of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB)

The letter highlights severe press freedom violations, including death threats against journalists, violent attacks on media houses, arbitrary suspensions of international broadcasters like RFI and France 24, and expulsions of foreign correspondents. In Burkina Faso, recent government actions have severely restricted citizens’ right to information, while Mali has witnessed escalating violence against the press, including the sacking of the Bamako Press House, arrests of critical commentators like Ras Bath and Rokia Doumbia, and the abduction of journalist Aliou Touré. Independent media outlets such as Joliba TV have also faced suspensions for critical coverage.

Both nations are experiencing a surge in disinformation campaigns and online harassment campaigns by pro-regime influencers, creating an environment of fear and censorship. These tactics not only silence dissent but also deprive citizens of essential democratic debate during a period of heightened security challenges.

In Burkina Faso, even the media regulatory body, the Conseil Supérieur de la Communication (CSC), has expressed concern over the recurring threats against journalists, urging authorities to ensure their safety. Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has voiced deep concern over the deteriorating media landscape in Burkina Faso, emphasizing the need to protect independent voices during this transitional period. Similarly, UN expert Alioune Tine has highlighted the shrinking civic space and freedom of expression in Mali.

The coalition’s demands include:

• Immediate cessation of all measures undermining press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso
• Protection for journalists facing threats, intimidation, and physical attacks
• Prompt and impartial investigations into abuses against media professionals
• Full compliance with international obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
• Support from national, regional, and international leaders to defend and protect press freedom as a fundamental right

May 2, 2023