Articles by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)

Malian authorities take exception to university lecturer’s book
Dr Etienne Fakaba Sissoko is hit with a 2-year sentence and hefty fine for his critical observations of the military government’s rule.

Guinea’s media hit by suspension and censorship
The Media Foundation for West Africa urges Guinea’s media regulatory body to exhibit more tolerance towards the media.

Crackdown in Niger intensifies
Nigerien authorities are disregarding press laws and arbitrarily arresting journalists instead.

Media accreditation for Togolese elections restricted, French journalist expelled
French journalist Thomas Pierre Dietrich, handed a six-month suspended prison sentence, expelled from the country and banned from re-entering.

Burkina Faso suspends several media outlets
Foreign media outlets accused of tarnishing the image of the Burkinabè army for their amplification of a Human Rights Watch report on atrocities by the militia against communities in the north and north-east.

Malian authorities continue to squeeze country’s civic space
Mali’s government has banned the media from covering all activities of political parties.

Togolese publisher Apollinaire Mewenemesse faces stringent bail conditions
Journalist Apollinaire Mewenemesse is charged with defamation, false publication, incitement, and undermining state security.

Journalist sentenced in absentia
Burkinabé journalist Newton Ahmed Barry’s conviction without a fair trial raises questions about the rights for defence.