In a bold move that has raised alarm among press freedom advocates, Togo’s media watchdog has suspended Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 from broadcasting for three months, accusing the French outlets of spreading “inaccurate and tendentious” content.
The High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) announced the suspension on Monday, just days after anti-government protests erupted in the capital city of Lomé. According to HAAC, both broadcasters repeatedly failed to meet journalistic standards, allegedly publishing content that distorted facts, lacked impartiality, and undermined the nation’s institutions.
“The pluralism of opinions does not authorize the dissemination of untruths or the partial presentation of the news,” the HAAC stated, emphasizing that freedom of the press should not be misused to spread disinformation or interfere in national affairs.
RFI and France 24, both funded by the French government, have yet to issue a public response to the ban. The decision temporarily erases two major international voices from Togo’s media space and deepens concerns over the shrinking space for independent journalism in the West African nation.
The suspension comes at a tense political moment, with mounting civil unrest and growing criticism of President Faure Gnassingbé’s administration. Observers say the move reflects a broader trend of media suppression in parts of West Africa, where governments are increasingly clamping down on critical reporting under the guise of national interest.
As international organizations monitor the situation, press advocates warn that such actions may further isolate Togo from the global media community and limit the flow of credible information to its citizens.