Rising Security Threats for Journalists in Africa's Sahel Region

Local journalists in Africa's Sahel region are facing heightened security risks due to extremist attacks and military coups. Reporters Without Borders reported the killing and kidnapping of journalists in Mali and Chad since last November. The situation has deteriorated with increased attacks and civilian casualties.

This Tuesday, a media freedom group highlighted the heightened risks for local journalists in Africa's Sahel region amid rising extremist attacks and military coups. The report noted that at least two community radio journalists have been killed and two others kidnapped by armed groups in Mali and Chad since November. Reporters Without Borders called for increased protection for journalists operating in these volatile areas.

Anne Bocandé, Editorial Director of Reporters Without Borders, emphasized the grim reality: "These crimes illustrate the deteriorating security context in which journalists in the Sahel are working." She pointed out that these journalists remain on the ground, providing information from territories now inaccessible to many other media professionals.

The Sahel, an arid region south of the Sahara, encompasses nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all of which have experienced coups in recent years. Despite promises of improved security, the situation has worsened, with a record number of attacks and civilian deaths attributed to both Islamic militants and government forces. According to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, the first half of this year saw a 25% increase in civilian deaths compared to the previous six months.

In response, ruling juntas have suppressed political dissent and restricted media coverage. Earlier this year, Malian authorities banned media reports on political activities, while Burkina Faso suspended BBC and Voice of America broadcasts following reports of a mass civilian killing. In June, three journalists in Burkina Faso disappeared under suspicious circumstances, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists.

(With inputs from agencies.)