Malian Journalist Malick Konaté Faces Death Threats Following BFMTV Report

Bamako, Mali – Malian journalist and cameraman Malick Konaté is facing an unprecedented wave of death threats following the broadcast of a report by the French news channel BFMTV on October 31. Social media users have labeled him a “traitor,” “public enemy No. 1,” and a “prey to be gunned down,” despite his limited role in the production of the report.

Konaté, who runs the online news channel Horon TV and works as a cameraman for international media, has been subjected to intimidation in the past. However, press freedom organizations warn that the latest threats are more numerous and dangerous than ever before.

“This journalist’s plight, which is extremely worrying, is indicative of the free fall that press freedom is experiencing in Mali,” said Sadibou Marong, director of Reporters Without Borders' (RSF) sub-Saharan Africa bureau. “Malick Konaté now fears for his life simply for doing his job. The authorities must react and protect journalism in a country where media professionals are barely able to work freely anymore for fear of reprisals.”

Accused of "High Treason"

The threats against Konaté have not been limited to individual social media users. On November 3, the Collective for the Defence of the Military (CDM), a pro-government group, described his involvement in the BFMTV report as an “act of high treason” and called for a judicial investigation.

The next day, he received a call from the head of Mali’s Judicial Investigation Brigade (BIJ), summoning him for questioning. Soldiers in civilian clothing also visited his home in Bamako on two consecutive days. Fortunately, Konaté had already left the country in September.

The journalist has previously faced violence and intimidation for his work. On June 4, two hooded men on a motorcycle vandalized his car while it was parked outside his office.