Human rights advocates and analysts say the ruling juntas in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are increasingly restricting civil liberties. The juntas, which took power in a series of coups between 2020 and 2023, have introduced criminal defamation and anti-terrorism laws in their respective countries that critics argue are being used to silence journalists, activists, and political opponents. In Burkina Faso, activists claim public debate has virtually disappeared as citizens face intimidation and pressure to self-censor, with those who speak out being sent to the front lines. Junta leader Ibrahim Traore has also openly criticized democratic governance and severely restricted media operations. Similarly, Mali’s General Assimi Goita has extended his grip on power through transitional legislation, while Niger follows a similar authoritarian trajectory. Human rights organizations are urging international partners to speak out more forcefully against growing authoritarianism in the region.
DW