Togo Suspends Broadcasts of RFI and France 24 Amidst Protests
Togo suspends RFI and France 24 broadcasts for three months amid ongoing protests against the Gnassingbé government.
Key Points
- • Togo's HAAC suspends RFI and France 24 for three months due to alleged reporting violations.
- • The suspension follows significant protests against the government led by Faure Gnassingbé.
- • Criticism surrounds constitutional reforms seen as consolidating power for Gnassingbé.
- • Police actions against journalists include arrests and forced deletion of coverage from protests.
The Togolese High Authority of Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) has suspended the broadcasts of Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 for three months, citing repeated breaches in reporting standards. This decision comes in light of ongoing protests against the government of Faure Gnassingbé, which have gained momentum due to discontent over rising electricity prices and perceived governmental repression of dissent.
The HAAC's suspension is specifically attributed to issues of impartiality and rigorous fact-checking in the coverage provided by these French media outlets. The protests have escalated following controversial constitutional reforms enacted in April 2024, which critics argue consolidate power for Gnassingbé, who has been in power since 2005. Demonstrators are increasingly vocal about these reforms, raising concerns that he seeks to extend his rule indefinitely.
In the wake of the protests, police have arrested multiple people, including journalists covering the demonstrations, with reports of them being forced to delete footage. The situation remains volatile, with additional protests planned for later this month, highlighting the ongoing human rights concerns in Togo and the impact on media operations in the region.