(MENAFN) Togo has suspended French state-owned media outlets France 24 and Radio France Internationale (RFI) for three months, citing repeated breaches of journalistic standards such as impartiality, accuracy, and fact-checking. The country’s media regulator, the High Authority for Audiovisual and Communication (HAAC), announced the decision on Monday, claiming the broadcasters had aired content that could incite unrest and destabilize national institutions.

According to HAAC, recent programs by the two outlets included misleading or biased reporting that misrepresented political developments and harmed Togo’s international reputation. The suspension follows ongoing controversy surrounding constitutional reforms passed in May, which gave President Faure Gnassingbe the new title of President of the Council of Ministers—an unelected role without term limits. Opposition groups have labeled the move a “constitutional coup” and accused the government of trying to extend Gnassingbe’s time in power indefinitely.

HAAC stated that the French networks had already been cautioned during earlier reform debates for allegedly spreading false information and failing to report fairly. “Pluralism of opinion does not justify spreading falsehoods or presenting events in a distorted way,” the regulator said.

In response, RFI and France 24 expressed “surprise” at the abrupt suspension, saying it was imposed without prior notice. They reaffirmed their commitment to journalistic ethics and said they were open to dialogue with Togolese authorities to address any concerns.

This move is part of a wider trend in West Africa, where several countries have imposed restrictions on Western media. RFI and France 24 have been banned in Niger since August 2023 for allegedly spreading disinformation. Other suspensions have occurred in Burkina Faso, which also restricted BBC Africa and US-backed VOA over reports critical of the military. Several major international news websites, including Le Monde and Deutsche Welle, have also faced access blocks in the region.

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