Togo’s communications commission states that RFI and France 24 would be suspended for three months

The French state-funded international news organizations RFI and France 24 have had their transmissions halted for three months, Togo’s communications authority announced Monday, citing their lack of objectivity and rigor.

The suspension coincides with escalating hostilities between the opposition and the head of the West African nation, Faure Gnassingbe.

In May, Gnassingbe was given the influential new position of President of the Council of Ministers, which has no set tenure.

The National Alliance for Change and the Democratic Forces for the Republic, two opposition groups, referred to this action as a “constitutional coup” that would prolong his reign indefinitely.

Opposition demonstrations against the new constitution that established Gnassingbe’s new role have been covered by RFI and France 24.

According to a statement by Togo’s communications regulator, “a number of recent broadcasts have relayed inaccurate, tendentious, and even factually incorrect statements, damaging the stability of republican institutions and the country’s image.”

Both publications issued a joint statement in which they reiterated their dedication to journalistic values and stated that their management was prepared to resolve any misunderstanding with the appropriate authorities.