Two French-linked media platforms, RFI and France 24, suspended in Togo amid protests

Two French-linked media platforms, RFI and France 24, have been suspended in Togo for three months over allegations of broadcasting " inaccurate and biased" content that threatens the country's stability.
RFI and France 24 have been suspended for three months in Togo due to allegations of broadcasting biased content.
Togo's media regulator cited concerns about the stability of national institutions and the country's image as reasons for the suspension.
This move reflects growing tensions between African governments and French-linked media platforms.
Togo's media regulator on Monday announced the suspension of two major French broadcasters, Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 for a period of three months, accusing them of spreading ' inaccurate ' and ' tendentious' content that undermines national stability.
According to a statement released by the nation's High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), the government cited ' several recent broadcasts ' by the two outlets that allegedly relayed biased and factually incorrect information.
HAAC noted that the coverage in question threatened ' the stability of republican institutions and the country's image,' prompting authorities to take what they described as a protective measure in the interest of national cohesion.
Though the HAAC did not single out specific programs or reports, the move follows growing tensions between the Togolese government and foreign media, particularly around sensitive issues such as constitutional reforms, political unrest, and alleged human rights abuses.
Critics argue that the suspension is part of a broader clampdown on dissenting voices and press freedom in the country.
The French media group France Médias Monde, which oversees both RFI and France 24, has not yet issued an official response. However, both outlets are widely followed across Francophone Africa and are often relied upon for independent coverage, particularly in countries where domestic press operates under tight restrictions.
The suspension follows youth-led protests in Lomé on June 5 and 6, sparked by arrests of activists, rising electricity costs, and recent constitutional changes.
Police used tear gas to disperse crowds near the presidential palace, with dozens arrested, though the government says over 50 have been released. The demonstrations, led by rapper Aamron, were aimed at President Faure Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005
Deepening rift between France and its former colonies
This suspension places Togo among a growing list of African countries, such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, that have distanced themselves from France.
In recent years, this shift has been accompanied by bans or restrictions on French media outlets, often accused of pushing narratives seen as critical of ruling governments, whether military or civilian.
The wave of suspensions reflects not just media concerns, but also a deepening diplomatic rift between former French colonies and Paris, as African governments increasingly assert control over their domestic information space.

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But 'the real force of these stories comes from the fascination and fear they create,' Hoffman said of the videos, with the digital age making rumors of violence even more widespread and effective. 'Whether it is Wagner or local fighters or political leaders, being associated with cannibalism or ritual killings or mutilations is being associated with an extreme form of power,' he said. Some of the graphic posts have been removed. Other content was moved behind a paywall. Telegram told the AP in a statement: 'Content that encourages violence is explicitly forbidden by Telegram's terms of service and is removed whenever discovered. Moderators empowered with custom AI and machine learning tools proactively monitor public parts of the platform and accept reports in order to remove millions of pieces of harmful content each day.' It did not say whether it acts on material behind a paywall. 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It says accountability for alleged abuses has been minimal, with the military government reluctant to investigate its armed forces and Russian mercenaries. It has become difficult to obtain detailed information on alleged abuses because of the Malian government's 'relentless assault against the political opposition, civil society groups, the media and peaceful dissent,' said Ilaria Allegrozzi, the group's Sahel researcher. That has worsened after a U.N. peacekeeping mission withdrew from Mali in December 2023 at the government's request. That void, she said, 'has eased the way for further atrocities' — and left social media as one of the best ways to glimpse what's happening on the ground. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . 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