Mali

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) expressed concern over the continued detention of journalist Chahana Takiou and called on authorities to release him so he can receive the needed medical care.

The MFWA urges the Malian authorities to stop weaponising cybercrime legislation against journalists, to respect the guarantees of the Press Law, and to resolve disputes involving journalistic work through civil or professional channels such as fines, or warnings.

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is concerned by this latest restriction on an international media organisation. The suspension of “Al Arabiya” raises serious questions about due process and the proportionality of the HAC’s intervention.

Military junta in Sahel states are systematically fuelling self-censorship and replacing critical reporting with state-driven narratives.

Malian journalist Youssouf Sissoko remains behind bars awaiting trial after authorities criminalized a published opinion piece deemed insulting to neighbouring Niger’s military ruler.

The ban on “Jeune Afrique” marks an accelerating crackdown on independent media under Mali’s military authorities.

Seydou Oumar Traoré’s release underscores growing alarm over Mali’s reliance on criminal sanctions to police commentary about leaders in neighbouring military-led states.

A sweeping crackdown across Mali has seen journalists detained, outlets suspended, and coverage paralysed as authorities and armed groups tighten control over information.

The brutal public killing of 25-year-old influencer Mariame Cissé by suspected JNIM militants underscores the deadly risks faced by young Malians using social media to express support for national causes.

The brief and unexplained arrest of veteran broadcaster Malick Aliou Maïga has stirred renewed anxiety over the vulnerability of journalists working in northern Mali.

Prominent critic Cheick Oumar Diallo’s abduction by gendarmes in Bamako has intensified alarm over the junta’s escalating repression of dissent and trade union activism.

A Malian court rejected former prime minister Moussa Mara’s appeal for release, and instead, backed the prosecution’s push for a further two-year detention.

After more than four months in secret detention, Malian journalist and activist El Bachir Thiam has been released and reunited with his family.

RSF’s documentary on community radio highlights the courage of journalists such as Ousmane Abdoulaye Touré, Adama Sougouri, and Fati Amadou Ali, who risk their lives to deliver vital news to their communities.