Burkina Faso’s military government expels french journalists, deepening media freedom concerns

In a fresh blow to freedom of information within Burkina Faso, the nation’s transitional military authorities have expelled Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce, two French journalists working for the daily newspapers Libération and Le Monde, respectively. Both correspondents possessed valid visas and official accreditations.

According to reports from both publications, agents from the national intelligence services summoned and interrogated the journalists on March 31st in Ouagadougou, the capital, regarding their professional activities. They were subsequently given a 24-hour deadline to leave the country, with no specific reason provided for their expulsion.

Libération, in an editorial, asserted that the decision to expel its correspondent was “unjustified” and directly linked to her investigation published on March 27th. This inquiry concerned a video reportedly filmed at a military barracks in Ouahigouya, Yatenga province, depicting children’s bodies on the ground in the presence of men appearing to wear Burkinabe military uniforms. Le Monde described these expulsions as “unacceptable,” vehemently condemning this “arbitrary decision.”

The expulsion of these two journalists marks the latest in a series of actions against freedom of expression and media in Burkina Faso. It follows the March 27th suspension of the French international news channel France 24 and, on December 3, 2022, the suspension of the French international radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI). Both broadcasters were accused by the Burkinabe government of disseminating false news.

“The junta is inflicting irreparable damage on freedom of expression in this country,” stated Daouda Diallo, a renowned Burkinabe human rights activist and 2022 Martin Ennals Award laureate. “Journalism is not a crime, and it should cease being a dangerous profession in Burkina Faso.”

Journalists and news organizations, both local and international, operating in Burkina Faso are increasingly subjected to harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests. This constitutes a blatant attempt by the military junta to silence independent and critical sources of information within the nation.

As Burkina Faso confronts an armed conflict with Islamist armed groups, journalists must be allowed to work freely, without fear of reprisal. The transitional military authorities should reverse their decision and permit Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce to return to the country. Above all, authorities should remove the obstacles hindering the vital work of journalists who inform and educate the Burkinabe populace.

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