Mali junta suspends French-language channel TV5 Monde for 3 months
Africa
By
AFP
| Sep 12, 2024
Mali's ruling junta has suspended French-language channel TV5 Monde for three months for what it called a lack of "balance" in a news item, the media regulator said in a statement received by AFP Wednesday.
The High Authority for Communication (HAC) criticised TV5 Monde for having reported on the death of at least 15 civilians in drone strikes in the northern town of Tinzaouatene without taking into account the Malian army's version of events.
The offending report appeared on ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2000055073/mali-junta-announces-new-constitution-says-will-not-compete-in-election">August 25 on the channel's< Africa programme, which is widely followed in Mali.
READ MORE
'Enemy is next door': DR Congo town dreads advancing rebels
Experts warn of growing water crisis as forests are cut down for development
It's smallholders who will reap big from 'Gachagua' Coffee Bill
Report shows Africa makes strides toward gender equality, but challenges remain
Havi criticises Supreme Court's decision upholding Finance Act 2023
LSK President disagrees with Supreme Court ruling on Finance Act, 2023
Supreme Court hands Ruto relief, clears way for Finance Act, 2023
Supreme Court upholds Finance Act 2023, invalidates key sections
Kenya Power posts Sh30b net profit in year ended June
Supreme Court to decide fate of Finance Act 2023, Housing Levy
"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 said that the Malian army had not yet provided its version of events at the time the channel broadcast its report on the drone strikes, "despite direct requests from TV5 Monde".
"However, the Malian army's version was given by TV5 Monde in a news item dated August 26," the channel said.
The West African country has been ruled by military leaders since back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.
Breaking away from former colonial ruler, France, the junta has instead turned politically and militarily towards Russia.
Since taking power, Mali's military leaders have suspended the widely followed French outlets France 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI).
The junta suspended France 2 in early 2024,="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/africa/article/2001386010/mali-junta-launches-consultation-amid-pressure-over-handover"> before news channel LCI < suffered the same fate at the end of August.
Correspondents from a number of foreign media have been forced to leave, go into exile or cease work.
In a post on X, media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the suspension of TV5 Monde, saying it "illustrates the banning of international media" in Mali.
The country's military leaders have also taken an ever-tougher line on political opposition within the country.
TV5 Monde aims to promote French culture and creativity, with ownership shared between French, Belgian, Swiss, Canadian and Quebec public broadcasting companies.