The trio of West African nations that broke away from the regional bloc, ECOWAS, are planning to launch a web television following the closure of several French media outlets in the region.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) is dealing with “disinformation campaigns,” prompting Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to take the initiative in creating a new communication platform, as stated by an official from Mali’s Department of Communication.
Haber Traore, special adviser to Mali’s minister for communication, declared that everything is prepared for the launch and is awaiting official approval from the leaders.
During his speech to the Confederation of Three Nations, Mali President Assimi Goita revealed the upcoming launch of a new AES television station.
The member nations of AES ministries recently devised a joint communication roadmap after the directors of news agencies within the alliance convened to outline a unified strategy.
Last week, Mali suspended the operations of another French TV channel for breaching media regulations after it permanently halted the broadcasts of France24 television and RFI radio in 2022. On July 27, LCI, a French television channel, was suspended for two months.
The Sahel Alliance was formed last year on September 16 by Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, three nations ruled by military juntas, who later announced the establishment of a joint military force to address the escalating security threats posed by terrorist groups.
These West African nations withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States, which had threatened to intervene militarily in Niger following a coup in July last year.
With a combined population of 72 million, the three countries are grappling with instability caused by militant groups.
In July, the leaders of the Sahel Alliance held their first joint summit in the Nigerien capital of Niamey, where they announced the formation of a confederation of three Sahel states.