Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger launch investigations into French journalist for jihadist analysis

Prosecutors in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have launched investigations against French journalist and researcher Wassim Nasr, according to Reuters. The junta-led countries accuse him of being an "apologist for terrorism" over his analysis of jihadist attacks. Nasr, a security expert with France 24, frequently comments on the Islamist insurgency that began in Mali in 2012 and has since spread across the Sahel region of Africa.

His detailed analysis of the jihadist attacks in Mali's capital, Bamako, on September 17, was widely cited in its aftermath. Prosecutors from the Sahelian countries issued an identical statement, accusing Nasr of "publicity and support" for jihadist activity. An investigation has been opened against Nasr on charges of criminal conspiracy, complicity in acts of terrorism and apology for terrorism. Nasr, who is based in France, said via message he did not have any comments and expressed solidarity with Sahelian journalists in a statement on X.