UN faults Mali over suspension of French media

The United Nations has expressed shock at Mali’s decision to suspend Radio France Internationale and France 24, warning that this was the latest step in the country’s crackdown on journalists

Human Rights Watch spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani, speaking to reporters in Geneva, called on the Malian military government to lift the ban by allowing the media to operate freely in the country.

France Internationale and France 24 broadcast news on the continent, and have a large audience in Mali.

The suspension by the Malian government earlier this week comes after diplomatic relations with France soured, following the recruitment of mercenaries from Russia and Mali to fight terrorism.