Since Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s ascension to power following a September 2022 coup d’état, Burkina Faso has grappled with a profound security crisis. Against this backdrop, numerous journalists and civil society members assert they opted for exile to evade what they describe as arbitrary pressures and measures, impacting independent Burkina journalism.

In Côte d’Ivoire, home to a substantial Burkinabè community, three journalists and a judicial figure recounted their hurried, at times clandestine, departures, facing an uncertain future.

Continuing to inform amidst persistent threats

Each individual stated their departure from Burkina Faso stemmed from fears of forced military conscription or repercussions directly linked to their professional work. One journalist revealed they continue their reporting under a pseudonym, while another now dedicates their efforts to training aspiring young journalists in investigative techniques, showcasing the resilience of the Burkina Faso press.

Many also attested to receiving threats via social media platforms, expressing a constant apprehension of being located, even in their current places of refuge.

Burkinabè authorities have remained silent regarding these personal accounts. However, international human rights organizations have previously condemned the application of a general mobilization decree, which they argue has been leveraged against critical voices of the regime.

Return contingent on evolving circumstances

For these individuals, Côte d’Ivoire primarily serves as a sanctuary. While they all harbor hopes of one day returning to Burkina Faso, they emphasize that such a return hinges on a significant improvement in both the political and security landscapes.

Their compelling narratives underscore the profound challenges confronting a segment of Burkinabè journalists and opposition figures for nearly four years. This situation unfolds in a nation where authorities rationalize their actions by citing the imperative to combat jihadist groups, which have plagued the territory for over a decade, deeply affecting Faso current affairs.