Togo's President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé
Togo’s President of the Council of Ministers Faure Gnassingbé

Togo’s media regulator, the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), has suspended French state-owned broadcasters France 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI) from operating in the country for three months, citing their reporting as biased and “undermining the stability of republican institutions.”

In a statement released on 16 June, HAAC accused both media outlets of broadcasting “inaccurate, tendentious, and factually incorrect” content that it claims damages the country’s image and misrepresents domestic events. While no specific broadcasts were cited in detail, HAAC referenced recent coverage of anti-government protests in Lomé earlier this month as particularly problematic.

A Broader Regional Shift

The suspension of the two major French outlets follows a growing trend across West Africa, where governments in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—all led by military regimes—have also expelled or banned France 24 and RFI for what they allege is partial or destabilising coverage.

In Togo, the move arrives amid a tense political climate, following the arrest of popular artist and activist Aamron (Essowe Tchalla), who had urged youth to protest against President Faure Gnassingbé, rising electricity costs, and recent constitutional changes that could allow Gnassingbé to remain in power indefinitely.

Though the government later claimed to have released over 50 detainees from the June 5–6 demonstrations, civil society groups report that several activists remain in custody. International media coverage, especially from French outlets, has drawn scrutiny for amplifying voices critical of the regime.

Media Outlets and Advocates Respond

France 24 and RFI, both operated by France Médias Monde, expressed shock at the suspension, noting that it came without prior notice or consultation, despite what they described as a “constructive dialogue” with Togolese authorities.

“Our teams deliver rigorous, independent, verified, and balanced news in accordance with the journalistic code and our agreement with HAAC,” the broadcasters said in a joint statement.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have since condemned the suspension, urging the Togolese government to immediately reinstate the broadcasters’ licences.

“Togo is following a dangerous pattern of silencing foreign media, depriving its citizens of diverse and reliable sources of information,” said Moussa Ngom, CPJ’s Francophone Africa Representative.

The IFJ’s General Secretary, Anthony Bellanger, went further, labelling the suspension an “affront to media freedom” and a deliberate act to obscure the public’s view of government actions during recent unrest.

Local journalist union L’Union des journalistes indépendants du Togo (UJIT) also criticised the move, stressing that a plurality of opinions remains vital to any functioning democracy.

“We urge reflection on the principles of independent journalism and the right to information. Suppressing media does not strengthen institutions—it weakens them,” the union declared.

Regulator Defends Decision

In its defence, HAAC maintained that press freedom does not equate to disinformation, and insisted that the suspension was consistent with Togolese media laws which apply equally to foreign and local outlets.

The regulator reiterated that journalism in Togo must meet standards of impartiality, factual accuracy, and respect for national cohesion, adding that foreign broadcasters are not exempt from these obligations.

“Pluralism cannot be a pretext for disorder or foreign interference,” HAAC stated, warning of the destabilising potential of biased international media in moments of national tension.

Political Tensions Rise Amid Calls for Change

Togo has been under the leadership of President Faure Gnassingbé since 2005, following the death of his father who ruled for nearly four decades. Despite mounting domestic and international pressure, constitutional amendments passed earlier this year could extend his presidency indefinitely.

Last week’s protests, led by youth groups and cultural figures like Aamron, underscored growing discontent. Civil society organisations and opposition parties, including the National Alliance for Change (ANC) and Democratic Forces for the Republic (FDR), have since called for civil disobedience to demand a return to democratic governance.

“National sovereignty must return to the people,” the opposition declared, announcing coordinated protest actions between 23–28 June.

Although public meetings remain legal, street demonstrations have been banned since 2022 following a deadly attack in Lomé’s main market. This has added to the tension between authorities and pro-democracy activists.

Press Freedom on the Line

Togo’s decision to suspend France 24 and RFI reflects a broader ideological divide in West Africa between governments seeking to insulate themselves from foreign scrutiny and a growing demand—both domestically and regionally—for transparency, accountability, and freedom of expression.

While the government cites national interest and institutional integrity, press advocates warn that media censorship undermines democratic values and sets a dangerous precedent.

As West African nations reassess their post-colonial alignments, and media freedom hangs in the balance, Togo finds itself at the crossroads between national sovereignty and international norms of democratic governance.


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