Mali suspends French broadcasters LCI and TF1 over false reports

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, follows accusations that the channels aired “unverified statements and falsehoods” about the presence of jihadists in Mali.

The HAC pointed to a 12‑minute, 24‑second segment aired by LCI on Sunday, which reported that “jihadists are at the gates of Bamako” and described the country as “Al‑Qaeda’s new stronghold.” The same segment was reposted on TF1’s website that 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. The HAC condemned the report as a “blatant violation of the journalist’s code of ethics in Mali,” which requires truth and accuracy. It argued that the report’s alarmist tone, predicting an “imminent collapse of the Malian state,” could cause panic, undermine trust in institutions, and damage social cohesion.

This is not the first time the Malian government has acted against media outlets. The ruling military junta, which seized 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 takes effect 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. Mali continues to grapple with a growing jihadist insurgency that fuels instability and violence in the region. Government attempts to combat the insurgency are hampered 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.