What You Need to Know
Mali’s High Authority for Communication has suspended the broadcasts of French TV channels LCI and TF1, citing serious violations of professional ethics and legal media regulations. This decision follows a council meeting on November 12, 2023, and reflects ongoing tensions between Mali and French media outlets.
Africa. Mali’s High Authority for Communication has announced the suspension of French television channels LCI and TF1 from all broadcasting packages within the country, effective “until further notice.”
The decision came after a council meeting on November 12, 2023, where the authority stated that the move was based on “serious violations of professional ethics and the legal texts governing media.”
The authority pointed to a program titled “Le Grand Dossier” aired by LCI on November 9, which was subsequently republished by TF1 on its online platform under titles such as: “Mali, Jihadists at the Gates of Bamako” and “Mali, the New Stronghold of Al-Qaeda.”
The authority described these contents as “promoting terrorism, slandering Malian authorities, inciting instability, and disseminating false news.”
A Series of Previous Sanctions
This latest decision is part of a series of measures taken by the authority against French media in recent years. In April 2022, the authority revoked the licenses of Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 after accusing them of violating the rights of civilians. In February 2024, it suspended France 2 for “serious violations and acts promoting terrorism.”
Additionally, in August 2024, the authority suspended LCI for two months following remarks made by one of its guests against the Malian military and its Russian allies. In May 2025, it decided to revoke the license of TV5 Monde due to what it deemed “bias” in covering political protests.
As a result, the number of French media outlets facing sanctions in Mali has risen to six, amid increasing tensions between Bamako and several Western media institutions. This trend reflects the Malian authorities’ desire to impose strict censorship on external media discourse, particularly regarding the military or the security situation in the country, raising debates about press freedom and Mali’s relations with its international partners.
In recent years, Mali has increasingly restricted foreign media, particularly from France, amid rising tensions. In April 2022, the Malian government revoked the licenses of Radio France Internationale and France 24, accusing them of bias against the Malian military. This trend continued with further suspensions and sanctions against various French media outlets, highlighting the government’s efforts to control the narrative surrounding its military and security situation, raising concerns about press freedom in the country.