Military juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger investigate journalist for alleged ties to jihadist groups

The military juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have launched an investigation into journalist Wassim Nasr of France 24 television for alleged links with jihadist groups. This investigation comes just days after Al Qaeda's Sahel branch carried out a deadly attack in Bamako, Mali's capital, resulting in approximately 70 casualties.

Accusations against a journalist spark discussions on freedom of the press and the challenges faced in reporting critical news.

Journalist Wassim Nasr faces accusations of ties with jihadist groups by Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, sparking debate over press freedom and freedom of speech in the region.

Military juntas, press freedom, jihadist groups, Wassim Nasr, France 24, accusations

The military juntas of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have launched an investigation into journalist Wassim Nasr of France 24 television for alleged links with jihadist groups. This investigation comes just days after Al Qaeda's Sahel branch carried out a deadly attack in Bamako, Mali's capital, resulting in approximately 70 casualties.

The authorities in the three countries announced yesterday that they were initiating investigations against Nasr, criticizing his sources and accusing him of complicity and glorification of terrorism. France 24, the network where Nasr works, reported on the developments, strongly rejecting these accusations as both “serious” and “baseless.”

In a statement, France 24 defended Nasr, emphasizing his methodical and ethical journalism. The network stressed that he diligently cross-checks information from all relevant parties, including sources within the regimes involved. They also see these investigations as part of the ongoing "press freedom restrictions" imposed by the military juntas in a region that Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has termed an "information black hole."

Despite these actions and censorship based on "false pretenses and outside of any legal framework," France 24 asserted its commitment to continue its mission with professionalism and independence. The network stated that it would keep providing free, verified news to the people of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who still follow its digital broadcasts.

Mali's junta opened the investigation on Wednesday, claiming that Nasr makes "biased statements" during terrorist attacks. Authorities alleged that Nasr had "direct contact" with those responsible for the recent attack in Bamako, claiming he received real-time information on their objectives and positions. An analysis of Nasr's media interventions reportedly showed him "advocating for terrorism and the actions of armed groups active in the Sahel," according to a statement published by Malian news outlet Malijet.

Meanwhile, the juntas also accused Serge Mathurin, a Nigerien journalist of Ivorian descent, of involvement in a plot to destabilize Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The Framework of Actions for Media Professionals in Niger (CAP-Media-Niger) distanced itself from Mathurin, stating that there is no evidence proving his innocence and refusing to offer support. The news portal ActuNiger covered this development.

Mathurin had been missing for several weeks until September 23, 2024, when Burkina Faso’s Security Minister, Mahamadou Sana, revealed that the journalist was implicated in a "macabre" plan that, if executed, could have plunged the Sahel region into chaos. CAP-Media-Niger clarified that the accusations against Mathurin were in no way related to his profession as a journalist, urging media professionals to exercise loyalty, discernment, and caution when handling this sensitive matter.