Press Freedom Under Threat as Mali’s Military Junta Bans Media Coverage of Political Parties
Mali’s ruling military junta has enacted a ban on media coverage of political parties, following the suspension of their activities, in a move marking a continued crackdown on dissent in the West African nation.
According to reports, since the 2020 coup that saw the overthrow of civilian president Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, opposition voices have faced significant suppression.
The high authority for communication issued a statement on Thursday instructing all media outlets to cease broadcasting and publishing political party activities and related associations, without specifying repercussions for non-compliance.
Excel Magazine International reports that this development follows Wednesday’s order for the indefinite suspension of all political activities, citing the need to maintain public order.
Government spokesman Colonel Abdoulaye Maiga attributed the suspension to what he termed “sterile discussions” during a national dialogue earlier this year, emphasizing the junta’s focus on combating armed jihadist and Tuareg separatist groups over political debates.
Despite the outcry on social media, there has been limited response from parties and prominent figures, who are already significantly muted.
Former Prime Minister Moussa Mara criticized the decision as a “major step backwards,” urging authorities to reconsider, while the president of the Convergence for the Development of Mali party called for civil disobedience until the fall of the regime.
Despite previous assurances to the ECOWAS regional bloc regarding elections and civilian power restoration by March 26, 2024, no such vote has materialized, drawing concern from the United Nations and the U.S. State Department, which emphasized the importance of freedom of expression and association.
Press freedom advocates and Mali’s Maison de la Presse have condemned the media ban as part of a broader pattern of information suppression under the junta.
The junta’s tenure has seen Mali sever international alliances, including with the European Union and France, while strengthening ties with Russia.
It was further learnt that the military government has terminated the UN stabilisation mission MINUSMA and ended a 2015 peace agreement with northern separatist groups.
Mali’s deteriorating security situation is compounded by humanitarian and political crises, with neighboring Sahel states also experiencing military coups and signaling intentions to form a Sahel alliance separate from ECOWAS.
