Ouagadougou: The High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC) has suspended the broadcasting of France 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI) in Togo for a duration of three months. This decision was made in response to the outlets' dissemination of inaccurate and biased statements, as stated in a press release from the communications regulatory body.

According to Burkina Information Agency, despite previous warnings regarding impartiality, rigor, and fact-checking, both France 24 and RFI continued to relay information deemed inaccurate and biased, contrary to established facts. These actions, the HAAC noted, have undermined the stability of republican institutions and tarnished the country's image.

The suspension was enacted by the national audiovisual regulatory and protection authority on Monday, June 16, 2025. The HAAC emphasized that while pluralism of opinion is necessary, it does not permit the spread of falsehoods or skewed presentations of current events. The regulatory body insists that journalistic standards in Togo are to be upheld by all media outlets, without exception.

The HAAC asserted that freedom of the press should not equate to spreading disinformation or engaging in interference, highlighting that the decision aims to maintain public order, national cohesion, and the dignity of institutions. The decision aligns with a responsible regulatory approach.

France 24 and RFI have faced similar suspensions in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, where they have been criticized for bias and erroneous reporting.