Mali’s ruling junta has suspended the French-language channel TV5 Monde for three months, citing a lack of “balance” in one of its news reports.
The High Authority for Communication (HAC) criticized TV5 Monde for reporting on the deaths of at least 15 civilians in drone strikes in the northern town of Tinzaouatene without considering the Malian army’s account of the events.
The report in question aired on August 25 as part of the channel’s Africa program, which has a large viewership in Mali.
“TV5 Monde regrets this situation, and in particular the fact that it was not approached by the HAC and was unable to provide any explanations regarding the facts of which it is accused,” it said in a statement.
The channel explained that the Malian army had not provided its version of events at the time the report on the drone strikes was aired, “despite direct requests from TV5 Monde.”
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“However, the Malian army’s version was given by TV5 Monde in a news item dated August 26,” the channel said.
The West African nation has been under military rule since two consecutive coups in 2020 and 2021.
Distancing itself from its former colonial power, France, the junta has shifted its political and military alliances toward Russia.
Since taking control, Mali’s military rulers have suspended popular French media outlets such as France 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI).
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In early 2024, they also suspended France 2, followed by the suspension of news channel LCI at the end of August.
Several foreign media correspondents have been forced to leave the country, go into exile, or stop working altogether.
Mali’s military leaders have also adopted an increasingly hard stance against political opposition within the country.
TV5 Monde, which promotes French culture and creativity, is jointly owned by public broadcasters from France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, and Quebec.
APF
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