Bamako, Mar 18 (AP) Mali's government has blocked two major French media outlets, accusing Radio France Internationale and the France24 television channel of broadcasting false information about alleged army abuses.

The move is the latest sign of escalating tensions between Mali's government and its former coloniser that has spent the last nine years trying to help the West African country end an Islamic insurgency.

Also Read | Russia-Ukraine War Latest Updates: 3 Killed in Shelling of Eastern Cities; Over 2 Million Ukrainian Refugees Entered Poland.

Relations have sharply deteriorated following military coups in 2020 and 2021 and France is now in the process of withdrawing its troops from the country.

The suspension of the French broadcast outlets would apply to both short-wave and FM frequencies and also would affect their digital platforms, Malian government spokesman Col. Abdoulaye Maiga said.

Also Read | Pakistan’s Balochistan Remains Backward, Impoverished, Says Think Tank.

The suspension effectively halts the dominant sources of international news in Mali, a French-speaking country. Viewers who attempted to watch the channel on Friday received a “program blocked” message on their screens.

France Medias Monde, the parent company of RFI and France 24, issued a statement sharply condemning the Malian government's action.

“The group deplores this decision and strongly protests against unfounded accusations that seriously undermine the professionalism of its broadcasting stations," it said.

The two French media outlets had reported on alleged abuses of civilians by Malian soldiers made by UN High Commissioner on Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and Human Rights Watch. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)