Mali’s media regulator, the High Authority for Communication (HAC), has suspended the broadcast of French television channels LCI and TF1 in the country. The decision, announced on Thursday, comes after the regulator accused the channels of airing “unverified statements and falsehoods” regarding the presence of jihadists in Mali.

The HAC cited a 12.24-minute segment aired by LCI on Sunday, which reported on “jihadists at the gates of Bamako” and the country becoming “Al-Qaeda’s new stronghold.” The segment was also reposted on TF1’s website the same day. According to the regulator, the broadcast contained false allegations, including claims that the ruling military junta had banned fuel sales and that terrorists were close to taking over the capital, Bamako.

The HAC condemned the report as a “blatant violation of the journalist’s code of ethics in Mali,” which requires adherence to truth and accuracy. The regulator argued that the report presented an “alarmist tone” that predicted an “imminent collapse of the Malian state,” causing panic and distrust towards institutions and harming social cohesion.

This is not the first time the Malian government has taken action against media outlets. The ruling military junta, which came to power in back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, has suspended several media outlets, particularly foreign ones, and silenced or imprisoned journalists and other critical voices.

As a result of the HAC’s decision, LCI and TF1 are no longer accessible in Mali. The suspension is effective immediately and will remain in place until further notice. The move has raised concerns about press freedom and the government’s efforts to control the narrative in the country.

Mali has been struggling with a growing jihadist insurgency, which has led to increased instability and violence in the region. The government’s efforts to combat the insurgency have been hindered by criticism of its human rights record and allegations of corruption. The suspension of LCI and TF1 is likely to further strain relations between the Malian government and the international community, which has called for greater press freedom and transparency in the country.