During a visit by the Prime Minister to the Maison de la Presse on Thursday, December 12, 2024, the president of the institution, Bandiougou Danté, officially presented Joliba TV’s apologies to the transitional authorities of Burkina Faso. This act comes after the controversial closure of the Malian channel.
Closure of Joliba TV Following Controversial Comments
As a reminder, Joliba TV News was closed by the High Authority of Communication (HAC) of Mali for “breaches of ethical rules”. This sanction follows the broadcast of comments made by Malian politician Kaou N’Djim, describing an attempted coup d’état in Burkina Faso as “staged”. These statements, widely relayed on social networks, caused strong indignation in Burkina Faso.
Reaction of Burkina Faso and Decision of the HAC
The Higher Communication Council (CSC) of Burkina Faso has apparently contacted the HAC of Mali to express its dissatisfaction with this broadcast. In response, the HAC took the decision to close the channel, despite protests from professional press organizations, grouped under the aegis of the Maison de la Presse.
Mediation in Progress and Jobs at Stake
A mediation commission is currently in place to try to influence the HAC’s decision and preserve the jobs of the 45 employees of Joliba TV News. The stakes are high for the channel’s staff.
The Official Apologies from the Maison de la Presse
Taking advantage of the Prime Minister’s visit, Bandiougou Danté, president of the Maison de la Presse, took the opportunity to publicly present the channel’s apologies to the Burkinabe authorities:
“From the top of this rostrum, without constraint, in complete freedom, in complete independence, in complete responsibility and in the face of history, I present, on behalf of the Maison de la Presse du Mali, our apologies to the authorities of Burkina Faso and to a part of the Burkinabé public who would feel offended by proposals made on Joliba TV News and widely shared on social networks,” declared Mr. Danté.
A Gesture of Appeasement and Responsibility
This gesture, marked by responsibility, aims to ease tensions between the two countries and restore a climate of trust between media authorities and transnational authorities. It remains to be seen what the reaction of the Burkinabe authorities will be and the outcome of the ongoing mediation.
The Editorial Team
