Mali's media watchdog has suspended two French television networks over allegations they broadcast false information about jihadist activities in the West African nation. The High Authority for Communication barred LCI and TF1 from all broadcasting packages following a segment claiming extremists were approaching the capital Bamako and suggesting the country had become an al-Qaida base.
The regulator accused the networks of spreading unverified claims, including assertions that authorities had prohibited fuel sales and that militants were close to seizing Bamako. Officials characterized the coverage as alarmist reporting that predicted state collapse and undermined public confidence in government institutions.
The military government, which seized control through successive takeovers, has previously restricted multiple media organizations and silenced critical journalists. Both channels became inaccessible to Malian viewers following the suspension order.
The regulator accused the networks of spreading unverified claims, including assertions that authorities had prohibited fuel sales and that militants were close to seizing Bamako. Officials characterized the coverage as alarmist reporting that predicted state collapse and undermined public confidence in government institutions.
The military government, which seized control through successive takeovers, has previously restricted multiple media organizations and silenced critical journalists. Both channels became inaccessible to Malian viewers following the suspension order.
