Mali cuts broadcast signal of TV news station critical of Burkina Faso’s ruling junta

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — The ruling junta in Mali cut off the signal of popular news broadcaster Joliba TV News after a prominent politician criticized the military rulers of neighboring Burkina Faso during a televised debate, a journalist with the channel said Tuesday. .

Journalist Attaher Halidou, who moderated the discussion, told the Associated Press: “This morning the authorities cut off the signal of our TV channel, but we still hope that they will restore it soon.”

Earlier this month Malian authorities arrested and jailed the politician Issa Kaou N’Djim After claiming that Burkina Faso’s military rulers fabricated evidence during a debate on Joliba TV He prevented the coup in September. The publisher’s manager was also questioned by the authorities.

The decision to cut Joliba TV’s signal was the final decision Repression of press freedom and political opposition In Mali, which has been ruled by a military regime since 2020.

authorities in June 11 opposition politicians and many activists were arrested. This followed the junta’s decision. ban the media From reporting on the activities of political parties and associations.

The Mali Press House, which represents journalists and media in the West African country, threatened on Sunday to rebroadcast the televised debate if authorities revoked Joliba’s licence.

“We are in talks with the Malian authorities to find a global solution that concerns not only the restoration of Joliba TV’s signal, but also the threat of revocation of its license and all other factors related to freedom of the press,” Joliba TV president Bandiougou Danté said. he told media outlet Associated Press.

N’Djim was one of the vice presidents of the National Transitional Council, Mali’s junta-ruled legislature. He later distanced himself from the military regime and said he favored a return to electoral democracy. In 2021, he was sentenced to 6 months in prison after criticizing the military regime on social media.

Mali has been ruled by military regimes since then. a series of blows This capitalized on widespread discontent with previous democratically elected governments on security issues. Along with Niger and Burkina Faso, it is a member of the Alliance of Sahelian States (AES), a mutual defense pact formed by the three states in 2023.

Security situation in AES member countries It’s gotten worse lately Analysts say Islamist extremists are carrying out a record number of attacks. Government forces are also accused of killing civilians they suspected of collaborating with militants.