In a move stirring international concern, Burkina Faso has temporarily suspended the broadcasting of BBC and Voice of America (VOA) radio networks for two weeks. The decision follows the airing of a report by these outlets, alleging human rights violations by the army during its campaign against jihadist forces.
Since Captain Ibrahim Traore’s ascent to power through a coup in September 2022, international media organizations have faced heightened scrutiny. The Communications Authority (CSC) announced late Thursday the suspension of programs from BBC Africa and VOA, citing the dissemination of a report that accused the Burkina Faso army of misconduct against civilians.
According to the CSC, the report lacked substantial evidence and featured prejudiced statements against the Burkinabe military. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch (HRW) disclosed separate findings of retaliatory attacks by soldiers in Burkina Faso’s jihadist-affected northern regions, resulting in the deaths of numerous villagers, including children.
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While Burkinabe authorities have yet to address these accusations, the CSC has taken decisive action, directing internet service providers to block access to BBC, VOA, and HRW digital platforms within Burkina Faso. The CSC cautioned against the dissemination of such content, emphasizing its potential to incite public disorder and tarnish the reputation of the Burkinabe army.
This suspension echoes previous measures taken against French media outlets, indicating a broader crackdown on foreign press under Traore’s leadership. Amid mounting criticism, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the suspensions as a violation of the right to information, asserting that the affected outlets merely reported information of public interest to the Burkinabe populace.
