In a concerning move against media independence within Burkina Faso, the nation’s transitional military government recently ordered the expulsion of two prominent French journalists, Agnès Faivre from Libération and Sophie Douce representing Le Monde. Both reporters possessed valid visas and official press accreditations, underscoring the arbitrary nature of their removal.
Reports from both French dailies indicate that on March 31, national intelligence operatives summoned and questioned the journalists in Ouagadougou, the capital. Following these interrogations concerning their professional activities, Faivre and Douce were given a mere 24 hours to depart the country, with no official explanation or justification provided for their sudden dismissal.
In a strongly worded editorial, Libération declared the decision to expel its correspondent ‘unjustified,’ suggesting a direct link to Faivre’s March 27 investigation. This critical piece focused on a disturbing video purportedly filmed at a military barracks in Ouahigouya, Yatenga province, depicting children’s bodies on the ground alongside individuals in what appeared to be Burkinabe military uniforms. Le Monde, in turn, labeled these expulsions ‘unacceptable,’ vehemently condemning the ‘arbitrary decision’ by the authorities.
The removal of these two reporters marks the latest incident in a troubling pattern of escalating restrictions on freedom of expression and media operations in Burkina Faso. This development follows the March 27 suspension of the international French news channel France 24 and, previously, the December 3, 2022, halt of Radio France Internationale (RFI) broadcasts. Both outlets faced accusations from the Burkinabe government of disseminating ‘false news.’
Daouda Diallo, an esteemed Burkinabe human rights activist and the 2022 Martin Ennals Award laureate, voiced grave concerns. He stated, ‘The junta is inflicting irreparable damage on freedom of expression in this nation.’ Diallo further asserted, ‘Journalism is not a crime, and it should cease to be a perilous profession in Burkina Faso,’ highlighting the risks faced by reporters.
Both local and international journalists and news organizations operating within Burkina Faso are increasingly subjected to harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary detentions. This systematic pressure represents a clear attempt by the military junta to stifle independent and critical news reporting, effectively silencing voices that challenge official narratives.
Given that Burkina Faso is grappling with an ongoing armed conflict against Islamist militant groups, it is imperative that journalists are permitted to operate freely and without fear of reprisal. The transitional military authorities must reverse their decision, allowing Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce to return. Crucially, the government should dismantle all barriers obstructing the vital work of journalists who strive to inform and educate the Burkinabe populace.
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