Open letter: Protecting journalists and defending 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
• Chairperson of the African Union Commission
• Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission
• Chairperson 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
• 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

Assassination calls against journalists and opinion leaders, death threats, smear campaigns, suspensions of international media outlets RFI and France 24, expulsions of foreign correspondents, censorship of critical voices Libération and Le Monde… The threats to press freedom and freedom of expression in Burkina Faso are deeply alarming. Recent government actions have severely undermined citizens’ fundamental right to information. Freedom begins where ignorance ends.

In Mali, journalists and opinion leaders face mounting pressure and intimidation. On February 20, 2023, the Bamako Press House was ransacked. On March 13, radio commentator Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (aka Ras Bath) was jailed for denouncing the alleged assassination of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga. On March 15, Rokia Doumbia (aka Rose vie chère) was arrested for reporting on price hikes and criticizing the transition. On April 6, journalist Aliou Touré was abducted by armed assailants and held for four days. International media have also been targeted: in February 2022, a Jeune Afrique reporter was expelled from Bamako, and in March 2022, RFI and France 24 were banned nationwide. Between November and December 2022, Joliba TV was suspended by the Higher Authority of Communication (HAC) for airing an editorial critical of authorities.

In both countries, pro-regime influencers amplify attacks on independent journalists through social media, issuing death threats against those deemed critical. Today, misinformation compounds the violence. As L’Observateur Paalga warns, this regime of terror is fueled by a deluge of fake news that silences democratic debate. While journalists in Mali and Burkina Faso navigate complex political, geopolitical, and security landscapes, they remain committed to informing the public and advocating for peace. Yet counterterrorism efforts must not justify curbing fundamental rights or restricting access to professional, independent media.

In Burkina Faso, press freedom has deteriorated to the point where even the regulatory body has sounded the alarm. In a March 29, 2023 statement, the Superior Council of Communication (CSC) deplored the recurring threats against media outlets and professionals, urging authorities to take appropriate measures to ensure journalists’ safety. Meanwhile, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed profound concern over the situation, emphasizing that protecting independent voices is more critical than ever during this transition period. Alioune Tine, the UN Independent Expert on Human Rights in Mali, also highlighted his extreme concern over the shrinking civic space and freedom of expression.

To address these urgent issues, we, the undersigned, urge the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso to:

• End all measures violating press freedom.
• Ensure judicial and security forces protect journalists and vigorously investigate threats and attacks.
• Guarantee the safety of media professionals facing threats, intimidation, harassment, or physical attacks.
• Conduct impartial, thorough, and independent investigations into abuses against journalists, holding perpetrators accountable.
• Uphold international obligations on freedom of expression and press freedom, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
• Call on national and international leaders to support this urgent appeal: access to information is a fundamental right. As World Press Freedom Day approaches, defending and protecting this right is paramount.