RSF spearheaded this coalition of nearly 30 media outlets and human rights groups to champion press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. In an open letter addressed to authorities in both countries, regional institutions, and the global community, they urge an immediate halt to harassment and intimidation of local and foreign journalists while demanding adherence to international commitments on free speech and press freedom—particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

the coalition includes local media—such as joliba tv news in Mali and lefaso.net in Burkina Faso—alongside press freedom and journalist rights organisations like the african journalists federation (FAJ), the international francophone press union (UPF), and the media foundation for west africa (MFWA). international outlets are also part of this collective.

it comes as no surprise that Mali and Burkina Faso have slipped in the 2023 world press freedom index, published on may 3. Burkina Faso now ranks 58th, while Mali sits at 113th out of 180 countries.

open letter for the protection of journalists and the defence of free speech and press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso

• the chairperson of the assembly of heads of state and government of the african union
• the chairperson of the assembly of heads of state and government of the economic community of west african states (ECOWAS)
• the chairperson of the assembly of heads of state and government of the west african economic and monetary union (WAEMU)
• the chairperson of the african union commission
• the chairperson of the ECOWAS commission
• the chairperson of the WAEMU commission
• the president of the pan-african parliament
• the secretary-general of the united nations
• the president of the un human rights council
• the director-general of UNESCO
• the secretary-general of the international organisation of la francophonie (OIF)
• the presidents of media regulatory bodies in ECOWAS member states
• the president of the francophone media regulators network
• the president of the audiovisual regulators platform of WAEMU and Guinea
• the ministers of communication of ECOWAS member states
• the president of the african broadcasting union (ABU)

the letter highlights alarming trends: death threats against journalists and opinion leaders, harassment and intimidation of national press, fabricated smear campaigns, suspension of international outlets like RFI and France 24, and expulsions of foreign correspondents. in Burkina Faso, recent government actions have severely restricted citizens’ access to reliable information, while Mali has seen a surge in violence against the press, including the sacking of the Bamako press house, arrests of critical voices, abductions, and censorship.

in both nations, pro-military “influencers” amplify threats on social media, fostering a climate of fear. as l’observateur paalga warns, this has led to a surge in disinformation, depriving citizens of democratic debate. despite the complex security and political challenges, journalists remain committed to their role as information providers and to the public’s right to truth.

the letter stresses that counter-terrorism measures must not justify restrictions on fundamental rights or the suppression of independent media. in Burkina Faso, even the media regulatory body, the higher council of communication (CSC), has expressed concern, calling for urgent protection of journalists. un high commissioner volker türk condemned the “further curbs on media and civic space” in the country, while un independent expert alioune tine warned of the shrinking civic space in Mali.

in light of these developments, the signatories call for:

• an end to all measures violating press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso;
• greater protection for journalists from security forces and judicial authorities against threats and violence;
• guarantees of safety for media professionals facing harassment or physical attacks;
• impartial, thorough investigations into abuses against journalists and prosecution of perpetrators;
• compliance with international obligations, including the african charter on human and peoples’ rights and the international covenant on civil and political rights;
• strong support from national, regional, and international leaders for this appeal—defending press freedom is essential for democratic societies.

may 2, 2023