Burkina Faso’s escalating crackdown on press freedom

In a significant blow to media freedom in Burkina Faso, the nation’s transitional military government recently expelled two French journalists, Agnès Faivre of Libération and Sophie Douce of Le Monde. Both reporters possessed valid visas and official accreditations for their work in the country.

Reports from both news outlets indicate that national intelligence agents summoned and interrogated the two journalists on March 31st in Ouagadougou, the capital. Following this, they were given a mere 24 hours to depart the country, with no official reason provided for their expulsion.

In an editorial, Libération asserted that the decision to expel its correspondent was “unjustified.” The newspaper suggested a link to Faivre’s March 27th investigation into a video purportedly filmed at a military barracks in Ouahigouya, Yatenga province. This video reportedly depicted children’s bodies on the ground, observed by individuals appearing to wear Burkinabè military uniforms. Le Monde, for its part, denounced the expulsions as “unacceptable” and “arbitrary,” condemning the move with the utmost firmness.

These expulsions represent the latest in a series of actions targeting freedom of expression and media operations within Burkina Faso. Preceding this incident, the French international news channel France 24 had its broadcasts suspended on March 27th. Similarly, Radio France Internationale (RFI), another French international news radio station, faced a suspension on December 3, 2022. The Burkinabè government accused both broadcasters of disseminating false news.

Daouda Diallo, a prominent Burkinabè human rights activist and recipient of the prestigious 2022 Martin Ennals Award for human rights defenders, commented on the situation, stating, “The junta is inflicting irreparable damage on freedom of expression in this country.” He emphasized, “Journalism is not a crime and should cease to be a dangerous profession in Burkina Faso.”

Both local and international journalists, along with news organizations operating in Burkina Faso, are increasingly subjected to harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests. This pattern reveals a clear and concerning attempt by the military junta to silence independent and critical sources of information across the nation.

As Burkina Faso grapples with an armed conflict against Islamist groups, it is imperative that journalists are permitted to operate freely, without fear of reprisal. The transitional military authorities should reverse their decision, allowing Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce to return to the country. Fundamentally, these authorities must remove all obstacles hindering the vital work of journalists who serve to inform and educate the Burkinabè populace.

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