• Mali trains 40 journalists in media literacy to counter disinformation

• Program aims to strengthen verification skills amid declining press freedom

• RSF notes Mali’s fall to 119th and rising vulnerability to misinformation

The Malian government held a media and information literacy training from Nov. 25 to 27. Over three days, participants were trained to analyze, verify and handle information more rigorously in an environment where misleading content is widespread. According to authorities, the initiative aims to strengthen journalists’ ability to assess information, recognize disinformation tactics and develop a stronger critical mindset.

The training took place in Bamako, bringing together 40 journalists, and opened with remarks from the president of the Maison de la Presse, the director general of the Fund for Support to Vocational Training and Apprenticeship (FAFPA), the trainers and participants. In his address, the president of the Maison de la Presse, Bandiougou Danté, said the initiative is “a key step for strengthening journalism in Mali,” stressing the need to professionalize a sector facing rapidly evolving media practices.

The training comes as Mali has fallen from 114th to 119th place out of 180 countries in Reporters Without Borders’ 2025 press freedom index. RSF also warns of economic pressures weakening media outlets and making them more vulnerable to external influence and instability. Meanwhile, the growth of social media and artificial intelligence is creating an information environment where disinformation spreads quickly, a challenge recently highlighted by UNESCO during the 2025 World Press Freedom Day.

Félicien Houindo Lokossou