Togo Suspends French Media Over Bias Allegations \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Togo has suspended France 24 and RFI broadcasts for three months, accusing them of biased and inaccurate reporting. The move comes amid political unrest following controversial constitutional changes, with critics warning of a growing crackdown on press freedom.
Quick Looks
- Togo suspends France 24 and RFI for alleged bias
- High Authority for Audiovisual Communication cites lack of impartiality
- Accuses networks of spreading disinformation and undermining institutions
- No specific reports were identified in the suspension
- President Faure Gnassingbé faces backlash over constitutional changes
- Critics call changes a “constitutional coup”
- Press freedom advocates call for swift restoration of broadcasts
- Protests planned next week amid rising political tension
- Demonstrations banned since 2022 following market attack
Deep Look
Togo’s decision to suspend French state-owned broadcasters Radio France Internationale (RFI) and France 24 marks a significant escalation in the country’s crackdown on press freedom and raises fresh concerns about the erosion of democratic norms in West Africa. Announced by the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HAAC) on Monday, the three-month ban accuses the media outlets of repeated breaches of impartiality, spreading misinformation, and damaging the image of Togo’s republican institutions.
While the HAAC did not specify which reports led to the punitive measure, the suspension comes at a politically sensitive time. President Faure Gnassingbé, in office since 2005 and part of a political dynasty that has ruled Togo for over five decades, is facing intense scrutiny over sweeping constitutional changes that critics say are designed to keep him in power indefinitely.
The constitutional amendments passed earlier this year transition Togo from a presidential to a parliamentary system, but critics argue the real motive is to sidestep term limits and entrench Gnassingbé’s rule. Under the new structure, the president is selected by parliament instead of by popular vote—giving the ruling party and its loyal lawmakers broad control over the political future of the nation.
Opposition figures have branded the move a “constitutional coup,” and civil society organizations have decried it as a betrayal of democratic principles. The changes have also ignited a broader debate about democratic backsliding in West Africa, where countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger have experienced coups or authoritarian consolidations in recent years.
Togo, long seen as relatively stable in the region, now finds itself at a tipping point. The suppression of critical media outlets is part of a larger pattern of repression. Since 2022, public protests have been effectively banned, a decision authorities justified by citing a deadly attack at Lomé’s central market. Yet critics say the move was a pretext for stifling dissent.
Although demonstrations are rare, discontent is growing. Social media has become a key battleground for criticism of the regime, with activists calling for renewed protests in the coming days. Earlier this month, demonstrators were met with a heavy-handed police response, adding fuel to public frustration.
In this context, the suspension of RFI and France 24—both respected sources of international news and widely followed across Francophone Africa—has sparked outrage among human rights advocates, journalists, and democracy watchdogs. These outlets often serve as vital sources of independent information in a media environment increasingly controlled by the state.
Fabrice Petchez, chair of the Togolese Media Observatory, acknowledged that the government may have concerns about media conduct, but warned that cutting off access to international news does more harm than good. “We do not support the decision. We hope steps will be taken to quickly restore these media operations in the country,” he said, urging dialogue between the suspended networks and Togolese authorities.
Petchez also noted the rising tensions on social platforms, where government critics are voicing fears of a political system moving further toward autocracy. “I do hope, however, that a dialogue can be opened between the media concerned and the authorities,” he added.
The move is reminiscent of similar actions taken by authoritarian-leaning governments in the region who seek to control the narrative during periods of political transition or unrest. Shutting out critical press is often the first step toward more draconian control of civil society, opponents warn.
Yet the government maintains that the suspension is about journalistic integrity, not political silencing. “Freedom of the press cannot be synonymous with disinformation or interference,” the HAAC stated. But without specific evidence or examples of the supposed violations, many remain skeptical of the government’s motives.
France, which has historical ties to Togo as a former colonial power, has yet to respond formally to the suspension. However, the decision could strain diplomatic relations, especially if the ban is extended or becomes permanent.
As the political situation in Togo becomes increasingly volatile, the international community will be closely watching how the government handles dissent, media freedom, and upcoming protests. The suspension of French broadcasters might seem like a localized issue, but it’s a potent symbol of the broader democratic challenges facing West Africa—and the high stakes for press freedom in the region.
The coming weeks could determine whether Togo returns to a path of political openness or follows the more repressive trajectories seen elsewhere on the continent. For now, its people are left with fewer independent news sources, limited avenues for protest, and deepening uncertainty about the future of their democracy.
Togo Suspends French
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