Authoritarian Regimes & Africa

Mali’s shrinking media landscape and concentrated power

Vue générale de Bamako après les attaques lancées contre des bases militaires à travers le pays, à Bamako, au Mali, le 25 avril 2026.

In recent months, the global spotlight has often illuminated regions grappling with significant challenges, and Mali stands as a prominent example. Yet, a stark contradiction persists: in these critical areas, access to a free and independent press is frequently obstructed by authorities keen on dictating the narrative they present to the world. This deliberate control over information is a defining characteristic of the current political climate in Mali.

Mali, currently reeling from extensive attacks by jihadist and Tuareg separatist groups on April 25, has seen the suspension of most francophone media outlets, accused by the government of spreading