The government of Mali on May 14 announced the suspension of the operations of the Paris-based TV5 Monde for violating Mali’s media laws in its May 3 broadcast, covering an opposition protest in Bamako against the possible dissolution of political parties. “These violations concern imbalance in the presentation of information, and defamation of the armed and security forces,” Mali’s High Authority for Communication stated. The suspension of parties followed the repeal of the Political Parties Charter earlier this month, which was aimed at curbing their proliferation. There were no less than 400 political parties, which will now be reduced through a new regulatory law.
While the Western media and liberal establishment have been quick to claim that the military-backed government of Malii is authoritarian, the reality is that a recent Mali Métre survey revealed that 90% of those polled approved the work of the government. The poll was conducted by the Germany-based Friedrich Ebert Foundation, which is the official foundation of the German liberal Free Democratic Party, the poll found that 68.7% of Malians say things are getting better in the country, while 48.5% point to improved security. Transitional President, General Assimi Goïta, enjoys a 72.1% approval rating. Those polled also supported Russia’s strong support, with 78.8% saying Russia will help Mali restore its territorial integrity.
Mali is a member state of the Confederation of Sahel States, along with Burkina Faso and Niger. A strong 92% of Malians support the Confederation. The Confederation of Sahel states has captured popular support throughout Africa, especially in East Africa. The Foreign Minister of Togo recently stated publicly that his country would seriously consider joining the Confederation. According to a recent Afrobarometer survey, 54% of citizens of Togo would support joining the Confederation, while 64%) of Togolese think Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger leaving ECOWAS is somewhat or very justified.
