RSF coordinated this initiative involving nearly 30 media outlets and human rights organizations to defend press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. In an open letter addressed to the governments of both nations, regional institutions, and the international community, they urge an end to intimidation and harassment of local and foreign journalists. The letter also calls for adherence to international commitments regarding freedom of expression and press freedom, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Signatories include local media such as Joliba Tv News in Mali and Lefaso.net in Burkina Faso. They are joined by press freedom organizations like the African Federation of Journalists (FAJ), the International Francophone Press Union (UPF), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), along with international media outlets.

Unsurprisingly, both Mali and Burkina Faso have slipped in the latest World Press Freedom Index, published on May 3, 2023. Burkina Faso now ranks 58th, while Mali sits at 113th out of 180 countries.

Open Letter for the Protection of Journalists and the Defense of Freedom of Expression and Press Freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso

To:

• President of the African Union Conference
• President of the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government
• President of the UEMOA Conference of Heads of State and Government
• President of the African Union Commission
• President of the ECOWAS Commission
• President of the UEMOA 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)
• Heads of media regulatory bodies in all 15 ECOWAS countries
• President of the Francophone Media Regulators Network
• President of the Audiovisual Regulators Platform of UEMOA and Guinea
• Communication Ministers of all 15 ECOWAS countries
• President of the African Union of Broadcasting (AUB)

Assassination threats against journalists and opinion leaders, physical attacks on local media, fabricated smear campaigns, suspensions of international broadcasters like RFI and France 24, deportations of foreign journalists, and censorship of critical voices — the situation in Burkina Faso and Mali is deteriorating rapidly. Since early 2023, the military governments of both countries have intensified restrictions on independent journalism, undermining citizens’ fundamental right to information.

In Mali: The Maison de la Presse in Bamako was ransacked on February 20, 2023. On March 13, journalist Mohamed Youssouf Bathily (known as Ras Bath) was arrested and jailed for criticizing the alleged assassination of former Prime Minister Soumeylou Boubèye Maïga. On March 15, Rokia Doumbia was detained for reporting on rising living costs and the failure of the transition. On April 6, journalist Aliou Touré was abducted by armed men and held for four days. International media have also faced expulsion — Jeune Afrique reporter deported in February 2022, and RFI and France 24 banned nationwide in March 2023. In November–December 2022, Joliba TV was suspended for airing an editorial critical of authorities.

In Burkina Faso: Threats against journalists have escalated, fueled by pro-regime social media influencers who incite violence. The Conseil Supérieur de la Communication (CSC) acknowledged these dangers in a March 29, 2023 statement, demanding authorities ensure media safety. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed deep concern, stating: “In this transitional period, protecting independent voices is more vital than ever.”

UN expert Alioune Tine also warned about the shrinking civic space in Mali, highlighting concerns over freedom of expression and association.

Demands to Governments, Regulators, and International Bodies

As signatories of this open letter, we:

• Urge the governments of Mali and Burkina Faso to end all measures undermining press freedom.
• Call for swift action by prosecutors and judicial authorities to investigate threats, intimidations, and assassination plots against journalists, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable under criminal law.
• Demand protection for all media professionals facing threats, harassment, or physical attacks, and guarantee their safety.
• Request impartial, thorough, and independent investigations into abuses against journalists, with perpetrators identified and prosecuted.
• Call on both governments to uphold international obligations under treaties like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
• Urge national and pan-African leaders, as well as international bodies, to support this call to action: access to information is a fundamental right, and its defense is essential as we approach World Press Freedom Day.