Media Watchdog: Sahel 'zone of no free information’

 Media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced alarm at violence and threats against journalists in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in military-run Sahel states, as it published its world press freedom index Friday.

The Sahel region has become a "zone of no free information" where "patriotic information has taken precedence over independent, quality journalism", said Camille Montagu, from RSF Sub-Saharan Africa, at a press conference in Senegal's capital Dakar on Friday.

"Niger (80th) fell 19 places as a result of the draconian measures adopted by the military junta that took power in a coup in July 2023," RSF said in its annual rankings report.

"The situation is far from brilliant in Burkina Faso (86th), which fell 28 places, and in Mali (114th)," the watchdog added.