Criminalisation of journalism in Mali: Abdrahamane Kéita of Le Témoin sentenced to two years in prison

This is not the first time that a journalist has been convicted by the National Unit for the Fight Against Cybercrime. On 3 August, Chahana Takiou, publication director of 22 Septembre, was sentenced to one year in prison, including six months without parole, after denouncing the use of this law against the press. On March 23, Youssouf Sissoko, publication director of L’Alternance, was sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay one million CFA francs in damages for publishing an article critical of Nigerien President Abdourahamane Tiani. RSF  condemned this criminalisation of journalism critical of the leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The criminalisation of journalism is also becoming an increasingly common means of repression internationally, as demonstrated by the RSF 2026 World Press Freedom Index: the legal indicator has experienced its sharpest decline this year.

Since the beginning of the transition led by General Assimi Goïta, conditions for practising journalism have deteriorated significantly in Mali, amid media suspensions, legal proceedings and pressure that fosters self-censorship. The deterioration of the security situation also exposes journalists to increased risks in the course of their work.