Paris: The French National Assembly on March 26, 2026, criticized France 24 for using taxpayer money to give a platform to "bloodthirsty terrorist leader" Amadou Koufa.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the French National Assembly, through the Commission of Inquiry on the neutrality, operation, and financing of public broadcasting, summoned several key figures from France Medias Monde (FMM), including its President and CEO Marie-Christine Saragosse, to address grievances regarding the airing of an interview with Amadou Koufa, a leader affiliated with Al-Qaeda. The interview, conducted by journalist Wassim Nasr, was broadcast on France 24 and RFI in October 2024.

MP Charles Alloncle, rapporteur of the Commission, strongly criticized the decision to air the interview, questioning the appropriateness of using public funds to provide a platform to a known terrorist. He argued that such actions by France 24 and RFI equate terrorist speech with official discourse, which he deemed unacceptable.

Vanessa Burggraf, Director of France 24, faced significant scrutiny during the inquiry. Her initial claim that the broadcast was an analysis, not an interview, was quickly challenged. She further attempted to justify the broadcast under the principle of pluralism, but Alloncle countered, emphasizing the strategic and humanitarian harm caused by giving voice to such individuals.

The inquiry highlighted past actions taken against France 24 and RFI, including their suspension in Burkina Faso for allegedly serving as a "communication agency for terrorists." Additionally, an investigation had been opened against Wassim Nasr by Burkina Faso's judicial unit for his alleged support of terrorists in the Sahel.

Vanessa Burggraf's defense of the broadcast and Wassim Nasr's actions failed to sway the commission, and she ultimately proposed to provide further information in writing due to confidentiality concerns.