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BAMAKO, Mali (AP) — Mali’s ruling military junta on Thursday banned media coverage of the activities of political parties and groups, a day after suspending all political activity in the country until further notice, amid an escalating crackdown.
The order was issued by Mali’s communications authority and distributed on social media. It said the notification applies to all forms of media, including television, radio, online and print newspapers.
Mali has experienced two coups since 2020, causing a wave of political turmoil. Instability hits West and Central Africa in recent years. In addition to political problems, the country is also facing a worsening insurgency by extremists linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
It was not immediately clear the scope of the ban or how it would be applied in practice. It was also unclear whether journalists would continue to be allowed to report on issues such as the economy that are closely related to politics, and who would monitor their work.
The umbrella organization representing journalists in Mali responded with an unusually harsh rebuttal.
The group, known as Maison de le Presse (Press House), said it rejected the order and called on journalists to continue reporting on Malian politics. He urged them to “stand tall, remain united and come together to protect the people’s right to access information.”
Mali’s National Human Rights Commission also expressed regret and deep concern over the decision in a statement released late Thursday. It warned the junta that the decision could be harmful.
“These restrictions on fundamental rights and freedoms are unnecessary for the country, as they can cause trouble and tension rather than calm the social situation,” he said.
The crackdown on media continued on Wednesday, when the junta ordered political parties to cease their activities until further notice, citing the need to maintain public order. The news was broadcast on state television as the nation celebrated Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, when strict Muslims fast from dawn until dusk.
Analysts said the move was likely a reaction to politicians, civil society and students who had expressed frustration with the junta’s failure to return the country to democratic rule as promised.
“In recent weeks, there has been increasing pressure from political parties and public figures,” Rida Lyamouri of the Center for New Southern Policy, a Moroccan-based think tank, told The Associated Press. “For the first time, the public and politicians publicly criticized the junta leaders and accused them of a lack of seriousness.”
Colonel Assimi Goita, who took command after a second coup in 2021, has promised to return the country to democracy in early 2024. But in September The military junta canceled elections scheduled for February. Postponed indefinitely to 2024 due to the need for further technical preparations.
The junta has vowed to end the rebellion that broke out after it ousted the elected government in 2012. It severed military ties with France amid growing frustration over the lack of progress despite a decade of aid. Russian contractor turned to mercenaries from the Wagner GroupWe provide security support in return. But analysts say the violence is only getting worse.
The United States said it was “deeply concerned” about the ban on political activities. “Freedom of expression and freedom of association are critical to an open society,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters in Washington.
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Donati reported from Dakar, Senegal.
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