Burkina Faso has suspended the broadcasting operations of the BBC and Voice of America (VOA) radio networks for a period of two weeks. This decision was made by the country’s communications authority (CSC) in response to a report aired by these international media outlets that accused the Burkinabe army of attacks on civilians in its fight against jihadist groups.
The CSC stated that the BBC Africa and VOA reports, which were published on their digital platforms, contained “hasty and biased declarations without tangible proof against the Burkinabe army.” The authority deemed the content of the report as unsubstantiated and detrimental to the reputation of the Burkinabe military.
This move is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Burkinabe authorities against international media organizations since Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in a coup in September 2022. The country has been grappling with a jihadist insurgency that has plagued the region since 2015, resulting in the deaths of around 20,000 people and the displacement of approximately two million.
The accusations made in the report stem from a statement by the international non-governmental organization, Human Rights Watch (HRW), which claimed that Burkinabe soldiers had killed at least 223 villagers, including 56 children, in two revenge attacks on February 25. However, the Burkinabe authorities have not yet commented on these allegations.
In response to the suspension, VOA stated that it had sought reactions from several Burkinabe officials regarding the HRW report but received no response. The media organization expressed its intention to continue providing comprehensive and fair coverage of the situation in the country.
