MALI: Mali’s military government took steps to restrict how regular people can access information from one of the most important news sources about African issues. On January 16, the Ministry of Territorial Administration announced a decree that bans the circulation and distribution of Jeune Afrique “in all its forms,” claiming it is necessary to “preserve public order.” The ministry accused the news outlet of supporting terrorism and defaming others, along with making “baseless accusations” about human rights violations by the security forces in the Alliance of Sahel States (which includes Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger). Additionally, the ministry claimed that Jeune Afrique made false accusations against Mali regarding fuel supply problems.
- Heavenly Father, we pray for the protection of truth and justice in Mali. We ask that accurate information, accountability, and fairness prevail, and that decisions made by authorities align with righteousness and peace rather than suppression (The Holy Bible, Luke 8:17).
- Lord, grant wisdom and humility to the leaders and security forces of Mali. May they act with discernment, respect human dignity, and pursue peace over control. We pray that accusations, conflicts, and tensions will give way to dialogue, truth, and healing in the region (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 11:14).
News Source: Human Rights Watch
Image Source: Canva
