PROSECUTORS in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have opened investigations into French journalist and researcher Wassim Nasr, accusing him of being an ‘apologist for terrorism’ following his analysis of recent jihadist attacks in the region.
Nasr, a security expert who frequently comments on Islamist insurgencies for French broadcaster France 24, has been under scrutiny for his detailed analysis of a jihadist assault in Mali’s capital, Bamako, on September 17. His comments, which appeared in various media outlets, have triggered accusations from authorities in the Sahel nations, who allege that Nasr’s remarks amounted to support for jihadist activity.
In a joint statement broadcast on national television, the judicial divisions specialising in terrorism from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger accused Nasr of engaging in ‘blatant acts of publicity and support’ for jihadist operations. They referred specifically to his comments on the Bamako attack and a 2023 assault on Djibo, a town in northern Burkina Faso.
The statement announced the launch of investigations against Nasr on charges including criminal conspiracy, complicity in acts of terrorism, and promoting terrorism. Nasr, who is based in France, declined to comment directly on the accusations. However, he posted on social media platform X, expressing solidarity with ‘Sahelian colleagues’ and those who endure what he described as the ‘arbitrary nature’ of the region’s military regimes.
Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have become the epicentre of the Sahel’s jihadist insurgency, with military juntas taking control in a series of coups since 2020. The juntas have distanced themselves from traditional Western allies, particularly France, and have aligned more closely with Russia. In response to their criticism of international media coverage, the countries have already suspended France 24 and other broadcasters.
Nasr’s investigation comes at a time of heightened tension between the Sahel’s military regimes and foreign media, as they continue to grapple with the ongoing insurgency that has spread across the region. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, particularly as it raises questions about press freedom in the Sahel.
Credit: Africabriefing
