RSF has spearheaded a joint initiative involving approximately thirty media groups and human rights advocates to champion press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. In a formal open letter sent to local governments, regional institutions, and the global community, the signatories demand an end to the harassment and intimidation of both domestic and foreign journalists. They emphasize the necessity for these states to honor their international pledges regarding freedom of expression, specifically the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The diverse group of signatories features local outlets such as Joliba Tv News in Mali and Lefaso.net in Burkina Faso. It also includes prominent advocacy groups like the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), the International Union of the Francophone Press (UPF), the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), and several global media organizations.

Unsurprisingly, both Mali and Burkina Faso have seen their positions drop in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index. Burkina Faso now sits at 58th place, while Mali has fallen to 113th out of 180 evaluated countries.

Open letter for the protection of journalists and the defense of press freedom and freedom of expression in Mali and Burkina Faso

• To the Chairperson of the African Union Assembly,
• To the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,
• To the Chairperson of the UEMOA Authority of Heads of State and Government,
• To the Chairperson of the African Union Commission,
• To the President of the ECOWAS Commission,
• To the President of the UEMOA Commission,
• To the President of the Pan-African Parliament,
• To the Secretary-General of the UN,
• To the President of the UN Human Rights Council,
• To the Director-General of UNESCO,
• To the Secretary General of the OIF,
• To the Presidents of media regulatory bodies across the 15 ECOWAS nations,
• To the President of the Francophone Network of Media Regulators,
• To the President of the Platform of Audiovisual Regulators of UEMOA and Guinea,
• To the Ministers of Communication of the 15 ECOWAS countries,
• To the President of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB),

From death threats against reporters to the suspension of international networks like RFI and France 24, the climate for media in Burkina Faso is increasingly alarming. The expulsion of correspondents from Libération and Le Monde, combined with mounting pressure on local journalists, threatens the fundamental right of citizens to stay informed. Freedom cannot exist where ignorance is forced upon the public.

In Mali, the environment is similarly hostile. The Press House in Bamako was vandalized in February 2023, and high-profile figures such as radio commentator Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (Ras Bath) have been jailed for their critical views. Rokia Doumbia was also detained after highlighting economic failures and the rising cost of living.

Violence and abductions have also surfaced, as seen in the case of journalist Aliou Touré, who was seized by masked gunmen. International media have not been spared either; a Jeune Afrique reporter was deported, and RFI and France 24 were blocked nationwide. Locally, Joliba TV faced a suspension for broadcasting content deemed too critical of the transition government.

In both nations, these attacks are amplified by social media “influencers” supporting the military juntas. These individuals often threaten independent voices and spread disinformation, effectively stifling democratic dialogue. The primary victims are the citizens of Mali and Burkina Faso, who are losing access to reliable information.

Despite the severe security challenges facing these countries, journalists remain committed to their professional duties. While they recognize the complexities of the military and political landscape, the fight against terrorism must not be used as a tool to suppress independent reporting or to restrict the public’s right to information.

The situation has become so dire in Burkina Faso that the Superior Council for Communication (CSC) has expressed regret over the frequent threats against the press, urging the government to ensure the safety of media professionals. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, echoed these concerns, stating that protecting independent voices is critical during this transition period.

Similarly, UN expert Alioune Tine has voiced alarm over the shrinking space for civic engagement and free speech in Mali.

Given these circumstances, we, the signatories of this letter:

• Urge the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso to end all actions that infringe upon press freedom.
• Note the lack of security protection and the judicial silence regarding death threats against journalists, calling on legal authorities to be more proactive.
• Demand that authorities guarantee the safety of all media workers facing harassment or physical assault.
• Call for independent and transparent investigations into all abuses against journalists to ensure accountability.
• Remind both governments of their international obligations, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
• Appeal to the international and regional bodies addressed here to support these efforts, as access to information is a basic human right.