The IPI global network calls on authorities in Mali to immediately release journalist Youssouf Sissoko, whom authorities have detained on multiple charges, including insulting the military government in neighbouring Niger.
Sissoko, who writes for the newspaper Alternative, had published an article on February 2 questioning allegations by General Abdourahamane Tiani, the president of Niger’s military regime, that France, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin were involved in an armed group attack on the international airport in Niger’s capital.
On February 5, police in Mali arrested Sissoko at his home. He was presented to a prosecutor in the cybercrime unit and charged with publishing false information, damaging the reputation of the state, and insulting a foreign head of state.
Sissoko’s first court appearance is scheduled on March 9. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison under Mali’s 2019 cybercrime law.
“IPI calls on the Malian authorities to swiftly free Youssouh Sissoko and drop all charges against him. Independent journalism is not a crime, and reporters should not be harassed or detained for commenting on matters of public interest”, Dr. Marystella Simiyu, IPI’s Africa senior legal advocacy officer, said. “The charges in this case are especially alarming, as insult laws protecting the state or state leaders violate international standards on freedom of expression. Mali should repeal such provisions and ensure that cybercrime laws cannot be abused to target the press.”
The detention of Sissoko highlights a pattern of threats faced by independent media outlets and critical journalists in the newly formed Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which comprises Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, all of which are led by military regimes. Independent journalism in the three countries faces several challenges, including increased repression of critical journalists and media outlets that report on the military governance or the security issues the region faces. Several independent media outlets were banned in the AES countries.
Recently, the authorities banned the continental magazine Jeune Afrique. The authorities accused Jeune Afrique of “justifying terrorism”, “defamation”, “incitement to hatred” and “fallacious and subversive accusations” against Malian authorities and the Alliance of Sahel States.