The High Authority for Communication issued the suspension after the channels aired segments describing widespread fuel outages and regions “under blockade.” Authorities said these narratives misrepresented conditions and risked public alarm.

The move comes amid ongoing supply disruption since early September, when JNIM intensified attacks along key routes and affected several western districts.

Bamako Rejects Blockade Claims

The regulator said TF1 and LCI broadcast “false information” by asserting that fuel sales had stopped nationwide and that Kayes, Nioro, and Diéma were “completely under blockade.” It added that descriptions of armed groups nearing Bamako were not supported by verified data. The suspension applies immediately and will remain in effect during further review.

Impact Of September Disruptions

Fuel shortages have worsened since early September, when JNIM intensified operations affecting movement across the Kayes corridor.

Traders reported reduced deliveries, with some stations seeing multi-day outages. Diplomatic missions have issued warnings as supply constraints intersect with mobility restrictions, triggering heightened concern among expatriates.

Foreign Missions Advise Departures

Embassies from the United States, Japan, Australia, and Canada urged citizens to leave Mali as the situation deteriorated. Their advisories cited limited access to fuel, constraints on road travel, and increased operational risks for humanitarian and commercial movements.

The alerts were issued within days of each other, marking the most coordinated warnings since 2023.

Government Pushback On Media Narratives

Officials said the contested reports could erode confidence in state responses and dismissed claims that militants were close to “bringing down” the capital.

The regulator argued that national coverage must reflect “verified and contextualized” information, noting that the suspension aims to curb what it called “alarmist” portrayals.

French Broadcasters Yet To Respond

As of publication, neither TF1 nor LCI had issued statements addressing the ban. Their earlier segments showed queues, empty stations, and local accounts of disruptions, though Malian authorities stressed that conditions varied by district and remained under monitoring.

The dispute underscores the junta’s increasingly assertive posture toward foreign media since 2022.