In a significant blow to information freedom within Burkina Faso, the nation’s transitional military authorities have expelled Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce. These two French journalists, working for the prominent daily newspapers Libération and Le Monde respectively, held valid visas and accreditations.
According to reports from both publications, agents from the national intelligence services summoned and questioned the journalists about their work on March 31 in Ouagadougou, the capital city. They were subsequently given a mere 24 hours to depart the country, with no official reason provided for their expulsion.
In an editorial, Libération asserted that the decision to expel its correspondent was “unjustified” and directly linked to her investigation published on March 27. This inquiry focused on a video allegedly filmed at a military barracks in Ouahigouya, Yatenga province, depicting children’s bodies on the ground alongside individuals seemingly in Burkinabè military uniforms. Le Monde labeled these expulsions as “unacceptable,” vehemently condemning this “arbitrary decision.”
The forced departure of these two journalists represents the latest incident in a series of attacks on freedom of expression and media liberty in Burkina Faso. This action follows the suspension of the French international news channel France 24 on March 27, and the earlier halt of broadcasts by the French international radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI) on December 3, 2022. Both outlets were accused by the Burkinabè government of disseminating false information.
“The junta is inflicting irreparable damage on freedom of expression in this country,” stated Daouda Diallo, a distinguished Burkinabè human rights activist and the 2022 recipient of the prestigious Martin Ennals Award for human rights defenders. “Journalism is not a crime and should cease to be a dangerous profession in Burkina Faso.”
Both local and international journalists and media organizations operating in Burkina Faso are facing an escalating climate of harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests. This pattern signifies a blatant attempt by the military junta to silence independent and critical news sources across the nation.
As Burkina Faso grapples with an armed conflict involving Islamist armed groups, it is imperative that journalists are permitted to operate freely, without fear of reprisal. The transitional military authorities should reverse their decision and allow Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce to return to the country. Crucially, authorities must dismantle the barriers that impede the vital work of journalists, who are essential for informing and educating the Burkinabè populace.
…………….
