Published on 04.14.2023 at 09:20 by Interview by Aly Asmane Ascofaré
Journalist Aliou Touré, Publishing Director of the newspaper Le Démocrate, was kidnapped on April 6, 2023 and then released on Monday by unidentified kidnappers. Yet another disappearance of journalists in Mali deplored during a press briefing on Tuesday April 11, 2023 by press organizations, which intend “from now on to work to put an end to the practice”. Questioned after the meeting, the President of the Press House, Bandiougou Danté, called on the State “to punish the authors” and the entire press “to remain mobilized”.
Aliou Touré is free. What is the next step now?
We are now calling on the highest authorities in the country to take all their responsibilities. Such practices must not go unpunished. The perpetrators must be sought out, known and they must answer for their actions. And only the State has the possibility of making the perpetrators of such practices pay for their actions. We want the highest authorities in the country to open sincere investigations so that we really know who kidnapped Aliou Touré and who released him. To do this, we invite everyone to be cautious and mobilize. Those who proceed in this way bear witness to the failure of a transition that should secure us.
Do you have an idea of the perpetrators of Aliou Touré’s kidnapping?
In any case, whoever is responsible for this practice, an accusing finger will be pointed at the State, which has the responsibility to protect us. He has all the prerogatives, privileges and even access to our intimate lives to secure us.
What measures do you intend to put in place to prevent journalists from being kidnapped again?
The unit set up will continue to work. Having understood the media realities of our country, we set up this unit, which includes rapporteurs, spokespersons and which includes all the professional organizations of the press. If Aliou Touré had not been released, vigorous actions would be announced on Tuesday. From days without press to demonstrations in the streets. Everything was on the table and we wouldn’t back down. We ask all the press to continue this synergy of actions. Let’s join hands to achieve our most legitimate demands for a free, independent and responsible press. From now on, the crisis unit will be interested in the Birama Touré case, so that all the light is shed on this affair.
