In a significant setback for media freedom in Burkina Faso, the nation’s transitional military authorities have expelled two French journalists, Agnès Faivre of Libération and Sophie Douce of Le Monde. Both reporters possessed valid visas and press accreditations at the time of their expulsion.
According to reports from both publications, national intelligence agents summoned and interrogated the journalists regarding their work on March 31 in Ouagadougou, the capital. They were subsequently given 24 hours to depart the country, with no official reason provided for this abrupt decision.
Libération, in an editorial, declared the expulsion of its correspondent as “unjustified,” asserting a connection to Faivre’s 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 in the presence of individuals appearing to wear Burkinabè military uniforms. Le Monde described these expulsions as “unacceptable,” strongly condemning the “arbitrary decision” by the authorities.
The forced departure of these two journalists represents the latest in a series of actions against freedom of expression and media in Burkina Faso. This follows the suspension on March 27 of the French international news channel France 24, and the earlier suspension on December 3, 2022, of French international radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI). Both channels 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 prominent Burkinabè human rights activist and 2022 Martin Ennals Award laureate. “Journalism is not a crime and should cease to be a dangerous profession in Burkina Faso.”
Journalists and news organizations in Burkina Faso, both local and international, are facing increasing harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests. This pattern indicates a clear attempt by the military junta to silence independent and critical news sources within the country.
As Burkina Faso grapples with an armed conflict involving Islamist groups, journalists must be allowed to operate freely, without fear of reprisal. The transitional military authorities should reverse their decision, permitting Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce to return. Crucially, authorities must remove all obstacles hindering the vital work of journalists who inform and educate the Burkinabè populace.
