The Sahel, this region located south of the Sahara and including several countries such as Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso, faces serious information problems. At least that’s what Arnaud Froger, head of the investigation office of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), says in a recent interview. According to him, the Sahel is becoming the largest information black hole.
This statement is unfortunately not an exaggeration. Indeed, for several years, the profession of journalist in this region has become increasingly difficult, if not impossible. Journalists face many obstacles: the growing presence of jihadist groups, changes of power and coups d’état, political instability and widespread corruption.
The presence of jihadist groups is one of the main problems facing journalists in the Sahel. These groups, such as Boko Haram and Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), control vast territories and impose their own version of order, based on terror and censorship. Journalists who dare to oppose their ideology or denounce their actions risk their lives.
Additionally, the Sahel is also plagued by frequent political upheaval, with changes of power and coups occurring one after the other. This political instability makes the exercise of journalism extremely difficult, even dangerous. Journalists are often caught up in conflicts between different political groups and are victims of reprisals.
Finally, widespread corruption in the region further aggravates the situation. Journalists who try to expose abuses and embezzlement often face pressure and threats from corrupt authorities. They also face widespread impunity, which makes their work even more difficult.
Faced with this alarming situation, it is essential that the international community realizes the urgency of action. It is important to support journalists who risk their lives to inform the public and make the voices of the voiceless heard. The media and organizations like RSF play a crucial role in this fight, by giving visibility to abuses committed against press freedom and by defending the rights of journalists.
The Sahel can and must once again become a space where press freedom is respected and where journalists can practice their profession in complete safety. This will only be possible if the different actors, both national and international, join forces to fight against abuses and support journalists in their mission to inform. This is an essential battle for democracy and human rights, and we cannot remain indifferent to this alarming reality.