Mali’s military authorities have detained a senior journalist after he published commentary scrutinizing statements made by Niger’s leader, according to Human Rights Watch, in what critics say signals mounting pressure on free speech amid worsening insecurity in the region.
Youssouf Sissoko, who heads the weekly publication L’Alternance as editor-in-chief, was picked up by police at his residence in Bamako on February 5, the rights organization said.
“The police took Sissoko before a cybercrime unit prosecutor, who charged him with spreading false information and insulting a foreign head of state, among other offenses, and ordered him held in pretrial custody,” the statement read.
The detention reportedly stemmed from a February 2 article published by L’Alternance. The report questioned allegations made by Niger’s military leader, Gen. Abdourahamane Tchiani, who accused the governments of France, Benin and Ivory Coast of backing extremist groups responsible for an attack on an airport in Niamey last month.
The assault was later claimed by the Islamic State Sahel Province.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have all experienced military takeovers in recent years, ushering in juntas that justified their actions as necessary to restore stability and strengthen national security.
Following their rise to power, the three countries have distanced themselves from France and other Western allies. The military-led governments have instead formed a regional security pact and strengthened defense ties with Russia as they attempt to contain extremist violence.
Security analysts say the threat landscape across the three nations has deteriorated, with extremist factions intensifying attacks to record levels. At the same time, state security forces have faced accusations of targeting civilians suspected of links to militant groups.
Alongside security operations, authorities in the region have intensified restrictions on political opposition and independent media. In January 2025, Malian officials prohibited the distribution of the Pan-African publication Jeune Afrique. French international broadcasters including France24, TV5 Monde and Radio France International have also been barred from operating in Mali. Several opposition figures have also been jailed over criticism directed at the military leadership.
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“Sissoko’s arbitrary detention highlights the fragile state of independent media in a country fraught with repression and shrinking civic space. The authorities should immediately and unconditionally release Sissoko and drop all charges against him,” HRW said in its statement.
