Mali bans Jeune Afrique weekly, citing threats to public order

​​​​​​​By Oumar Sankare

BAMAKO, Mali (AA) - Mali banned the circulation, distribution and sale of the French-language weekly magazine Jeune Afrique on Friday, accusing it of disseminating destabilizing content and undermining public order, according to an announcement.

Mali's Territorial Administration Ministry cited several reasons, including "fallacious and subversive allegations harmful to national stability," as well as a lack of objectivity and balance in reporting, and an editorial line perceived as biased and agenda-driven.

It accused the magazine of defamation, incitement to hatred, and publishing content considered promoting terrorism.

Officials said the reporting poses a threat to public order and national cohesion, justifying the nationwide prohibition under existing media and security regulations.

Founded in 1960, Jeune Afrique is a Paris-based pan-African weekly magazine that covers political, economic and social developments across the continent, for a broad international audience.

The suspension of Jeune Afrique comes amid a broader crackdown on foreign media outlets in Mali, especially those linked to France. Since the military-led transition took power, authorities have accused several international broadcasters of biased or hostile reporting and spreading misinformation.

French public broadcasters Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 were suspended in 2022 and remain off air in Mali. Francophone international channel TV5 Monde has also faced temporary suspensions and official warnings. Malian authorities have consistently defended the measures as necessary to protect national sovereignty and counter information warfare.

The latest decision is part of a wider deterioration in relations between Mali and France following the breakdown of a long-standing military and diplomatic partnership.

After years of cooperation in the fight against jihadist insurgencies, Mali’s transitional authorities accused France of political interference and failing to respect Malian sovereignty. French troops were expelled in 2022, and Paris significantly reduced its diplomatic and military footprint in the country.

As Mali has pivoted toward new international partners and adopted a more assertive nationalist posture, the media sector has become a central arena of confrontation. Authorities argue that some foreign outlets, particularly French media, reflect geopolitical agendas incompatible with Mali’s trajectory.

Critics, including media freedom advocates, warn that the cumulative bans risk narrowing access to independent information. Malian officials, however, maintain that the measures are lawful and aimed at safeguarding stability in a fragile security environment.

The Jeune Afrique ban takes effect immediately and applies to all formats, including print and distribution channels within Mali.