Mali press freedom crackdown

In late July 2026, journalist Chahana Takiou, editor of the bi‑weekly 22 Septembre, was brought before Mali’s specialized cyber‑crime court for “attacking the credit of the State through the judicial institution”. He had been detained for almost two months, with his health issues noted but not alleviated. His arrest was joined by that of another reporter, Abdrahamane Keïta, underscoring concerns that the judiciary was being used to silence media voices.

A week later, on 3 August 2026, the same court sentenced Takiou to one year in prison. Prosecutors maintained the charge of undermining state credibility, and a request for medical release was denied despite his diabetes and cardiovascular problems. The sentencing followed the earlier detention of journalist Youssouf Sissoko and highlighted a broader pattern: Mali’s military junta, in power since 2020, has increasingly invoked the cyber‑crime code to prosecute journalists, activists and opposition figures, effectively curbing press freedom.

These two reports trace the progression from Takiou’s trial to his conviction, illustrating the junta’s systematic use of cyber‑crime legislation to suppress independent reporting in Mali.