In a fresh blow to the freedom of information in Burkina Faso, the nation’s transitional military authorities have expelled two French journalists, Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce. Faivre worked for the daily newspaper Libération, while Douce reported for Le Monde. Both reporters possessed valid visas and official press accreditations.
According to reports from both prominent French newspapers, agents from the national intelligence services summoned and interrogated the journalists on March 31 in Ouagadougou, the capital, regarding their professional activities. They were subsequently given a mere 24 hours to exit the country, with no official explanation provided for their expulsion.
In an editorial, Libération asserted that the decision to expel its correspondent was ‘unjustified,’ suggesting it was linked to her March 27 investigation. This probe involved a video allegedly filmed at a military barracks in Ouahigouya, Yatenga province, depicting the bodies of children on the ground alongside individuals in what appeared to be Burkinabè military uniforms. Le Monde condemned these expulsions as ‘unacceptable,’ strongly denouncing the ‘arbitrary decision.’
The removal of these two journalists represents the latest in a series of attacks on freedom of expression and media in Burkina Faso. This follows the March 27 suspension of the international French news channel France 24 and the December 3, 2022, halt of Radio France Internationale (RFI) broadcasts. Both outlets were accused by the Burkinabè government of disseminating false news.
“The junta is inflicting irreparable damage on freedom of expression in this country,” stated Daouda Diallo, a distinguished Burkinabè human rights activist and recipient of the 2022 Martin Ennals Award. He emphasized, “Journalism is not a crime and should cease to be a dangerous profession in Burkina Faso.”
Both local and international journalists and news organizations operating in Burkina Faso are increasingly subjected to harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests. This pattern highlights a clear attempt by the military junta to silence independent and critical information sources within the nation.
As Burkina Faso grapples with an armed conflict involving Islamist armed groups, journalists must be allowed to perform their duties freely, without fear of reprisal. The transitional military authorities should reverse their decision and permit Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce to return to the country. Crucially, the authorities must dismantle all barriers hindering the essential work of journalists who serve to inform and educate the Burkinabè populace.
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