Press freedom organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the destruction of community radio station Radio Naata in northern Mali after it was attacked by armed men suspected of belonging to the al-Qaeda-linked Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims.
The station, located in the Gao region, was reportedly targeted in late April, raising fresh concerns about the safety of journalists and media outlets operating in conflict-affected areas of the country.
The incident comes amid ongoing insecurity in northern Mali, where armed groups continue to carry out attacks despite military operations aimed at restoring stability.
Meanwhile, allegations have emerged accusing the Malian army and its Russian partners from the Africa Corps of using cluster munitions, weapons banned under an international convention since 2010. The claims are based on testimonies from local sources, although they have not been independently verified.
Political analyst Idrissa Keita says the attack on Radio Naata highlights the growing threats facing independent media in Mali’s conflict-affected regions. He argues that the destruction of community media outlets not only undermines press freedom but also deprives local communities of a vital source of information at a time of heightened insecurity.
Keita further notes that the incident reflects the deteriorating security situation in northern Mali and raises broader concerns about freedom of expression, access to information and the protection of civilians caught up in the conflict.
–ChannelAfrica–
