The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Malian authorities to reverse a ban on the privately owned French magazine, Jeune Afrique. The magazine was accused of “glorifying terrorism” and engaging in “defamation and incitement to hatred”.

The measure is the latest in a series of bans on French media by the Alliance of Sahel States – Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso – which was formed in 2024 following military coups in the three nations. Burkinabè authorities previously banned Jeune Afrique in 2023 over its coverage of the military.

“One of the main, shared achievements of the Alliance of Sahel States has been proving themselves to be a zone hostile to journalism that may be critical of authorities’ handling of security challenges,” said CPJ’s Francophone Africa representative, Moussa Ngom.