Mali Suspends French Broadcasters TF1 and LCI, Accusing Them of ‘Apology for Terrorism’
In a significant escalation of media tensions, Mali’s regulatory body has suspended the broadcasting licenses of two major French television channels until further notice. The move underscores the deepening rift between the West African nation’s military junta and its former colonial partner, France.
The Official Rationale: Allegations of Unprofessional Conduct
The High Authority for Communication (HAC), Mali’s media regulator, announced the suspension of LCI and TF1 on Friday. The decision was justified by citing “apology of terrorism, incitement to destabilization, and dissemination of false news.”
According to the HAC, the violations stemmed from an LCI program titled “Grand dossier,” broadcast on November 9, 2025. The segment, later republished on TF1’s website, was headlined “Mali, Jihadists at the Gates of Bamako” and “Mali, Al-Qaeda’s New Stronghold.” The regulator accused the outlets of ethical and professional misconduct, stating they had breached Malian media laws.
In its official statement, the HAC emphasized the journalistic duty to “respect the truth” and to “only publish verified information,” correcting any inaccuracies promptly.
Broader Context: A Fractured Relationship and Media Freedom
This suspension is not an isolated incident but the latest in a series of actions against French media by the Malian junta, which seized power in a 2021 coup. The ruling military government has increasingly framed its struggle against a decade-long jihadist insurgency as a nationalistic battle, often portraying foreign media as hostile actors.
Analysts view this move as part of a broader pattern where governments in the Sahel region, including Mali, are tightening control over the narrative surrounding security and governance. By accusing international broadcasters of spreading falsehoods and destabilizing the country, the junta reinforces its sovereignty narrative and counters external criticism of its military and political strategies.
The decision raises immediate concerns about press freedom and the public’s access to diverse information sources in Mali. It also poses a critical question for international media organizations: how to report credibly on security crises in regions where governments are increasingly sensitive to foreign coverage.
What Comes Next?
The indefinite nature of the suspension means the channels’ future in Mali remains uncertain. The incident will likely further strain diplomatic relations between Mali and France, which have been deteriorating since the junta expelled French troops and turned to Russian mercenary group Wagner for security support.
For now, the suspension of TF1 and LCI signals a hardening of Mali’s information space, where the state is asserting firm control over the narrative of its ongoing conflict.
This report is based on information originally published by Le Temps.