(AFP dispatch)
On Friday, Malian authorities announced a ban on the sale and distribution of the weekly magazine Jeune Afrique (JA) in the country, accusing it of "glorifying terrorism," "defamation," and "inciting hatred."
"The circulation, distribution, and sale of the newspaper Jeune Afrique are prohibited in all forms in Mali," according to a statement from the Ministry of Territorial Administration.
The authorities justify this decision by "the need to preserve public order" in the country, which has been ruled by the military since two coups in 2020 and 2021. In particular
, they accuse the newspaper of making "false and subversive accusations" in connection with the disruption of the country's hydrocarbon supply, as well as "glorifying terrorism."
The Malian government also referred to "allegations of abuses against part of the Malian population" made by JA, according to the government, against the authorities of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which brings together Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Finally, the government accused JA of "defamation" and "incitement to hatred," without providing further details.
The country, led by General Assimi Goïta, has been facing a deep security crisis since 2012, fueled in particular by violence from jihadists belonging to the Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda) and the Islamic State (IS) organization, as well as community criminal groups.
In October and November, Mali experienced a severe fuel shortage due to a blockade imposed by JNIM.
On Thursday, JA published an article on its website entitled "Fuel crisis in Mali: Why Assimi Goïta is unable to break out of the rut." In it,
the newspaper questions the solutions put in place by the military to address the fuel crisis. It also refers to "a costly and unsustainable security system" to accompany fuel convoys.
Since coming to power, the military has taken repressive measures against the press, suspended access to or broadcasting of several media outlets—particularly foreign ones—and silenced or imprisoned journalists and other critical voices.
Correspondents from a number of foreign media outlets have been
forced to leave, go into exile, or remain silent due to a lack of work permits.
The Malian army and its allies, the Russian mercenaries of Africa Corps, who are responsible in particular for tracking down jihadists, are regularly accused of committing abuses against civilians.