Thirty media outlets, journalists' associations and freedom of expression organisations on Wednesday called on the ruling juntas in Mali and Burkina Faso to protect journalists in the face of growing threats. In an open letter published on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the signatories of the appeal said that the situation of journalists in Burkina Faso has become "critical". In Mali, too, "pressure and intimidation" are on the increase, say the signatories, who include a number of Burkinabe media outlets, the Malian television station Joliba, the French media France 24, Libération, Le Monde and Radio France Internationale, as well as journalists' associations and rights organisations. In this letter addressed to the heads of major African and international organisations, the signatories point to the repressive actions of the authorities. The signatories of the document call on the Malian and Burkinabe authorities to "put an end to all measures that undermine press freedom" and to "guarantee the protection" of media professionals.

Source: Ethiopian News May 03, 2023 17:11 UTC