RSF coordinated this initiative involving nearly 30 media organizations and human rights groups to champion press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso. In an open letter addressed to both governments, regional institutions, and the international community, they urge authorities to halt all intimidation tactics targeting local and foreign journalists while demanding strict adherence to international commitments on freedom of expression and press freedom, particularly the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The coalition includes prominent local media outlets Joliba Tv News in Mali and Lefaso.net in Burkina Faso, alongside global press freedom organizations such as the African Journalists Federation (FAJ), the International Francophone Press Union (UPF), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). International media partners have also joined the cause.

The letter arrives amid declining press freedom rankings. According to the 2023 World Press Freedom Index, Burkina Faso has fallen to 58th place while Mali now ranks 113th out of 180 countries.

Open letter for the protection of journalists and defense of press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso

• Chairperson of the African Union Heads of State and Government Conference
• Chairperson of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Conference
• Chairperson of the WAEMU Heads of State and Government Conference
• Chairperson of the African Union Commission
• Chairperson of the ECOWAS Commission
• Chairperson of the WAEMU Commission
• Chairperson of the Pan-African Parliament
• UN Secretary-General
• Chairperson of the UN Human Rights Council
• UNESCO Director-General
• Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie
• Presidents of ECOWAS media regulatory bodies
• Chairperson of the Francophone Media Regulators Network
• Chairperson of the WAEMU and Guinea audiovisual regulators
• ECOWAS Communication Ministers
• President of the Union of African Broadcasters

Assassination threats against journalists and opinion leaders, violent intimidation campaigns, fabricated smear campaigns, suspensions of international broadcasters like RFI and France 24, and expulsions of foreign correspondents have created an alarming climate for press freedom in Burkina Faso. Government restrictions have intensified in recent months, effectively denying citizens their fundamental right to information. As one Burkinabè newspaper editor stated, “a regime of terror has taken hold, accompanied by waves of disinformation that drown out truth on social media.”

In Mali, the situation is equally dire. The February 2023 sacking of the Bamako Press House, the March 2023 arrest of radio commentator Ras Bath for criticizing the government, and the subsequent detention of “Rose Vie Chère” for reporting on economic grievances highlight systematic suppression. The abduction of journalist Aliou Touré in April underscores the growing dangers facing media professionals. International outlets have also faced severe restrictions, with RFI and France 24 suspended in March 2022.

Both nations are experiencing coordinated disinformation campaigns led by regime-aligned social media influencers who target independent voices with death threats. This toxic environment not only silences critical journalism but also undermines democratic debate and public access to reliable information. Even Burkina Faso’s media regulator has expressed alarm, noting in a March 2023 statement the “recurring threats against media outlets and journalists” and calling for urgent government action to ensure their safety.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk condemned the situation, stating that “the shrinking civic space and curbs on freedom of expression in Mali are deeply troubling.” Similarly, UN Special Rapporteur Alioune Tine warned of the “extreme concern regarding the narrowing of civic space.”

We, the undersigned organizations and media outlets, demand:

• Immediate cessation of all measures violating press freedom in Mali and Burkina Faso
• Protection for journalists facing death threats, harassment, and physical attacks
• Impartial investigations into abuses against media professionals
• Full respect for international obligations on freedom of expression and press freedom
• Sustained support from national and international stakeholders for these demands

Access to information is a fundamental right. As we approach World Press Freedom Day, defending this right is more crucial than ever.