March 26, In memory of the heroes of democracy, in the name of freedom of expression

March 26 is dedicated to the celebration of the martyrs of democracy. This memorial date is dedicated to the Malians who fell under the blows of an authoritarian regime which wanted to maintain itself at the cost of the blood of its own people but which ended up collapsing under the weight of an unshakeable will for the conquest. of Liberty and Democracy.

Three decades after their ultimate sacrifice, we must ask ourselves what we have done with their legacy of values ​​of freedom and democracy.

Let us try to analyze this question under the prism of freedom of expression.

They sacrificed themselves for freedom of expression, the transparent management of public affairs by the voice of the people and for their benefit, equality and the team in access to public services, an independent justice, an army in the service of the people and whose supreme leader would be a civilian, a virtuous economy cleansed of the rough edges of corruption, in short for democracy and the rule of law.

Freedom of expression is a fundamental right for any democratic society constituted and recognized as such. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which Mali adheres, states that “ Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which implies the right not to be disturbed for his opinions and that of seeking, receiving and imparting, regardless of frontiers, information and ideas by any means of expression whatsoever .”

It is clear that there is a general decline in the world of respect for this basic right. The passing of laws threatening journalists in Russia and the suspension of the broadcasting of Russian channels in Western countries against the background of the war in Ukraine. The taking hostage, or even the assassination of journalists by groups considered to be terrorists.

In the specific context of Mali, we are concerned about the restriction of spaces of freedom. These spaces which allow the co-construction and which allow to advance in the realization of the democratic ideal and the ideal of the development of the country, are restricted.

On January 29, 2016, Birama Touré, a journalist, disappeared in circumstances that have not yet been elucidated. Hamadoun Nialibouly, journalist at Dande Douentza radio, was abducted on September 27, 2020 in Mandjo in the Mopti region by alleged traditional hunters.

French journalist Olivier Dubois was kidnapped in Gao on April 8, 2021 and then held hostage by the Support Group for Islam and Muslims (JNIM), the main coalition of armed groups affiliated with Al Qaeda in the region.

Moussa M’Bana Dicko, a Malian journalist at Dande Haire radio, was abducted from his home in Boni on April 18, 2021 by suspected jihadists who believe he was critical of them.

Since the beginning of 2022, freedom of the press and more generally freedom of expression has deteriorated in a worrying way. On February 7, 2022, Jeune Afrique journalist Benjamin Roger was expelled from Mali on the grounds that he did not hold accreditation even though he had a valid visa. The new process for obtaining accreditation was not put in place until after his expulsion. These new methods are also particularly intrusive and are not conducive to the secrecy of sources. To be certified, journalists must detail the topics they cover and the people they will meet.

International media correspondents were arrested and called to order. The national press is self-censoring and does not sufficiently cover sensitive subjects of public interest.

A press release from a group calling itself “Collectif pour la Défense des Militaires” (CDM), accused the correspondents of RFI and France 24 of intoxication and misinformation and demanded the withdrawal of their accreditation in a tone akin to a formal notice from the State through two press releases published in January.

RFI and France24 were suspended in Mali and the national press banned from relaying their content following the broadcast of an investigative report published on March 14 and 15 on summary executions and alleged looting committed by the Malian Armed Forces and the forces Russian paramilitaries who accompany them in their efforts to fight against terrorist groups. This journalistic investigation joins the conclusions of the report of the NGO Human Rights Watch published in the same period and also reporting on the executions of civilians by the Malian army. These two media were assimilated, in the press release announcing the start of their suspension procedure, to the radio Mille collines which broadcast messages inciting hatred and genocide in Rwanda in 1994.

RFI is by far the most listened to media in Mali in terms of access to national and international information but also in terms of speaking out by the population. Without demagoguery, RFI’s approaches in this practice meet standards that have nothing to do with this genocidal radio.

The government chose to suspend them when it had the opportunity following these accusations, which we consider sufficiently serious, to demonstrate the innocence or guilt of our Army. We have a large army. A few media should not be able to undermine the morale of our valiant soldiers. Our army defends security, freedom, democracy and the republic.

When such alleged abuses are highlighted by the media or by human rights organizations, it is the responsibility of the state to shed light, take dispassionate action and demand a response.

Disappointing reaction from umbrella organizations

The reaction from media apexes, including the journalists’ union, has been disappointing to say the least for press freedom advocates. She questions their willingness to support freedom of expression. The Maison de la Presse, in a press release, said “to take note of the decision to suspend the broadcasting of RFI and France 24 by the transitional government”. No protest, same principle.

Civil society organizations also find it difficult to express themselves. Meanwhile, several well-known actors are stirring up hatred and violence among the population. Opinion leaders in almost hateful and defamatory language call for example for the suspension of Mikado FM, set up by Minusma with the aim of informing, raising awareness and strengthening cohesion and understanding between Malian communities. Mikado FM meets the standard of professional quality of a media and gives voice to Malians and Malians in 6 national languages. Unfortunately these actors are never arrested or worried, on the contrary it is they who are described as patriots without any consideration of their character as arsonists. During this time,

Freedom of expression should in no way be variable. We have freedom of expression and freedom period. This must be done in a legal and republican way. We need to be in tune with ourselves and with others.

Censoring quality media creates more suspicion than it builds. Of course, many people say that the suspension of RFI and France 24 in Mali is similar to that of Russia Today and Sputnik by the European Union and Western countries. It is still necessary to objectively compare the prevailing context.

The suspension of these two media in Europe is indeed a sign of this appalling restriction on the freedom of the general press in the world.

In no case should we justify our bad actions by those of others. On the contrary, we must set a good example and proclaim it loud and clear.

Rare are the Malians who know the programs of our state media unable to make a quality offer, while they are hundreds of thousands to know the content of RFI. This does not mean that these radio stations are propagandists, but rather by the fact that they have won the confidence of the population by giving them a voice and by sharing with them national and international information often kept silent by the national channel which gives the feeling of being or serving the State and not the public interest.

The deafening silence of political actors, civil society and even religious and customary leaders speaks volumes about the sulphurous climate for freedom of expression which does not honor the authorities of the transition.

It is urgent to act in full responsibility and to get out of the logic of exception to claim rights. The rule of law should in no way be obstructed by the state of exception.

The non-respect of the principles and the opportunistic interpretation of the texts leave some people free to act at the limit of what is legally acceptable.

It is fundamental that our country move forward. The argument of undermining the morale of the army can be quite understandable, but it should not be exploited. The presence of these men and women who are at the front and who defend the country at the cost of their lives must in no way and in any way be subject to political manipulation. Any subject that relates to the army and state institutions must be handled in a highly professional and rigorous manner in strict compliance with the law in force. No bias, no arbitrary analysis should be made.

The state should not be in the fray, especially during these times of transition. This is why he should take advantage of each criticism, of each opinion for the development of Mali instead of qualifying any contrary idea as destabilizing the transition.

Get out of Manichean patterns

The deleterious and Manichean climate that is gradually setting in does not bode well for our country. This is why the authorities must invest in bringing Malians together, a sine qua non condition for a lasting exit from the crisis.

Gathering supposes the freedom to speak to each other without filter in respect; to get along, understand and accept each other despite our differences. Our differences should make us stronger, not divide us. We cannot hear the reason of the one who saves us when we have silenced him.

Today there are urgent matters, those of saving freedom, preserving what has been achieved, letting media players inform freely. This is what will allow us to get out of this abyss in which we are plunged in the long term. More than ever, the Malian authorities must do everything possible to preserve freedom of expression and freedom of the press. Mali must devote its energy to its development and not squander it in quarrels which it can do without.

Everyone must invest in preserving democratic and republican achievements and above all in preserving freedom. We are not in the era of colonization, we do not have a war of colonial liberation to wage. We must accept that the fathers of independence put an end to colonization. We must waste no more time with narratives supporting any different perspective such as that of alienation. We must no longer live in the past. The fight of our generation is that of sustainable development, climate change, competitiveness, the fight against terrorism and the control of information for the benefit of our interconnected people.

Mali is a great state, heir to great empires and must be run and function as such! This greatness is only possible in the respect of freedom of expression, in the acceptance of our differences, the ability to put ourselves in symphony with the other countries of the world while developing our identity without sacrificing it or deteriorate.

We will not be able to reflect on the place of the heroes of March 26, 1991, we owe it to them to safeguard the achievements resulting from their fight to be worthy of them and celebrate their memory with pride with our heads held high.

Yesterday we were a great empire, today we must be a great democracy, a benchmark rule of law and a flamboyant economy. But for that, you need a broader vision and audacity to open up and simply assert human rights.


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