Reporters without Borders (RSF), says in a new report that it is becoming highly difficult for journalists to work in the Sahel region without restrictions, particularly in the wake of military coups in countries like Mali and Burkina Faso.

The Sahel region, according to RSF is “the biggest non-information zone in Africa.”

The Paris-based media watchdog notes that the situation has become even more difficult as a result of the decision of the ruling junta in Burkina Faso to expel journalists from the French newspapers Le Monde and Libération from the West African country.

In addition, it mentions a “hostile environment” for journalists brought on by laws that restrict press freedom.

The report states that between 2013 and 2023, “five journalists were killed and six others disappeared.” During the period, nearly 120 journalists were detained or arrested, 72 of whom were in Chad alone.

Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad, and also the northern part of Benin, which is facing similar security challenges were covered in the report.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project, at least 25 foreigners and many locals have been abducted in the Sahel since 2015 due to the violent campaigns of various terror groups in the region.

The violence has killed thousands of people and displaced millions from their homes, and increased risks for journalists and humanitarian workers.