Burkina Faso Junta Bans BBC, VOA Over Report

Burkina Faso Junta Bans BBC, VOA Over Report

The Burkina Faso Junta-led government has suspended the transmission of the BBC and Voice of America (VOA) radio networks for two weeks following the broadcast of a report implicating the army in attacks on civilians during the fight against jihadists…….READ ALSO ECOWAS Leaders Convene To Ease Sanctions On Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali: Tinubu Takes Charge

The decision to halt the broadcasts of BBC Africa and VOA was announced by the country’s communications authority (CSC) late Thursday. The suspension was attributed to a report aired on their digital platforms, which accused the Burkinabe army of abuses against civilians. The CSC criticized the report for lacking concrete evidence and containing biased declarations.

Human Rights Watch had previously reported incidents where soldiers in Burkina Faso’s jihadist-hit north allegedly killed hundreds of villagers, including children, in revenge attacks. However, Burkinabe authorities have not responded to these allegations.

In response to the ban, VOA stated its intention to continue covering activities in Burkina Faso comprehensively and fairly. Meanwhile, the CSC has instructed internet service providers to block access to the websites and digital platforms of BBC, VOA, and HRW within the country, citing concerns about spreading disinformation that could tarnish the army’s reputation.

This move adds to a series of actions taken by Burkina Faso’s junta-led government against international media outlets and organizations. Previous suspensions and expulsions targeted French media organizations, signaling a shift away from the country’s former colonial ruler, France.

However, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has criticized these suspensions, labeling them as “abusive” and a violation of the right to information. RSF argued that the banned media outlets were merely disseminating information of general interest to the Burkinabe population.

The junta’s actions reflect a broader trend of governments restricting media freedoms in response to critical reporting, raising concerns about press freedom and access to information in Burkina Faso.

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