In a significant setback for information freedom in Burkina Faso, the transitional military government recently expelled two French journalists, Agnès Faivre and Sophie Douce. These reporters, representing the French newspapers Libération and Le Monde, respectively, held valid visas and press accreditations at the time of their expulsion.
Reports from both newspapers indicate that on March 31, national intelligence agents summoned and questioned the journalists in Ouagadougou, the capital, regarding their professional activities. Subsequently, they were given a mere 24 hours to depart the nation, with no official reason provided for this abrupt expulsion.
In a strong editorial, Libération condemned the decision to expel its correspondent as “unjustified,” suggesting a direct link to her March 27 investigation. 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 in what appeared to be Burkinabè military uniforms. Le Monde similarly denounced the expulsions as “unacceptable,” firmly condemning this “arbitrary decision.”
The expulsion of these two French journalists represents the latest incident in a series of escalating assaults on freedom of expression and media operations within Burkina Faso. This action follows the March 27 suspension of France 24, a French international news television channel, and the December 3, 2022, suspension of Radio France Internationale (RFI), a French international news radio station. Both broadcasters were accused by the Burkinabè government of disseminating false information.
“The junta is inflicting irreparable damage on freedom of expression in this nation,” stated Daouda Diallo, a prominent Burkinabè human rights activist and 2022 Martin Ennals Award laureate—the most prestigious award for human rights defenders. He emphasized, “Journalism is not a crime and should cease to be a perilous profession in Burkina Faso.”
Both local and international journalists and news organizations operating in Burkina Faso are increasingly facing harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests. This pattern reveals a clear attempt by the military junta to silence independent and critical information sources across the country.
Even as Burkina Faso grapples with an armed conflict against 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 to the nation. Crucially, authorities must remove all impediments hindering the vital work of journalists who serve to inform and educate the Burkinabè populace.
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