Malian authorities have arrested a prominent journalist after he criticised Niger’s military leader, according to Human Rights Watch, deepening concerns over press freedom.
Youssouf Sissoko, editor-in-chief of the weekly newspaper L’Alternance, was arrested at his home in Bamako on February 5.
Police brought Sissoko before a cybercrime prosecutor, who charged him with spreading false information and insulting a foreign head of state.
The prosecutor ordered Sissoko held in pretrial detention, Human Rights Watch said, citing official proceedings in the case.
The arrest followed a February 2 article questioning claims by Niger’s ruler, General Abdourahamane Tchani, about foreign support for extremists.
Tchani had accused France, Benin and Ivory Coast of backing militant groups linked to an airport attack in Niamey last month.
The Islamic State Sahel Province claimed responsibility for the attack, which heightened regional tensions already strained by insecurity.
Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have all experienced coups in recent years and are now governed by military juntas.
The ruling officers seized power promising stability, yet analysts say extremist violence has surged across the Sahel.
The juntas have cut ties with France, formed a regional security alliance, and turned to Russia for military assistance.
Rights groups accuse government forces of killing civilians suspected of aiding militants amid the deteriorating security environment.
At the same time, authorities have tightened controls on dissent, targeting journalists, media outlets and opposition figures.
Mali banned the Pan-African magazine Jeune Afrique in January 2025 and suspended several French broadcasters.
Human Rights Watch said Sissoko’s detention reflects the shrinking space for independent journalism under military rule.
The group urged Mali’s authorities to release Sissoko immediately and drop all charges against him.