The Chinese presence in the Malian mediascape

Abstract

Mali is known for its proliferating independent media scene, especially its numerous newspapers and radio stations. Less well known is the growing role China plays in Mali’s media. China contributed to Mali’s radio equipment and broadcast soon after the country’s independence in 1960. Its influence on the Malian mediascape has increased again since the mid-2000s when China began to invest in media infrastructure, the training of journalists and cultural exchange. Journalists have participated in training courses in China, wrote about their experiences in their newspapers, and have hereby enhanced China’s image in Mali. Other newspaper reports, however, contrast their authors’ views on China’s rhetoric of brotherly cooperation with daily experience, and evaluate critically Chinese activities in the country. This article analyses the growing Chinese involvement in Mali’s media from the point of view of Malian journalists. It explores the ways in which newspaper reports and radio broadcasts represent the two countries and cooperation between them. We argue that, despite a widespread appreciation of China’s infrastructure projects and affordable consumer goods available to Mali’s population, there is also much suspicion that ranges from uncomfortable feelings to outright criticism of the grand ‘win–win’ narrative.

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