Mali, a landlocked West African country, has been witnessing intensifying crackdown on opposition parties and the media. Its government has announced a ban on “political activities” and media coverage of political parties, The Hindu reported.  

An order issued by Mali authorities on April 11, and shared on social media, said the ban was applicable on all forms of the media, including television, radio, online, and print newspapers.

The country – which was under French rule until 1960 and under dictatorship till 1992 – has experienced two coups since 2020. It is also suffering from insurgency by militants linked to the Al-Qaida and the Islamic State.

Colonel Assimi Goita, who took charge as the interim president of Mali’s military government after the second coup in 2021, had promised to restore democracy in the country in early 2024. But the elections scheduled for February 2024 were indefinitely cancelled.

While the extent of the ban on media reportage is not known, journalists body Maison de le Press, or Press House, rejected the ban and urged journalists to continue reporting on politics in Mali. “Stand tall, remain unified and mobilise to defend the right of citizens,” said the press group.

Mali politicians and civil society groups have also rejected the junta government’s order, calling it a “dictatorial move” and “serious violation of democratic freedoms”. 

Reports said the ban came after public criticism of junta leaders over their failure in restoring democracy.

Newslaundry has extensively reported on why free press is crucial for democracy. Read here.