In a fresh blow to media freedom within 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 accreditation, underscoring the arbitrary nature of the decision.

According to reports from both French newspapers, national intelligence agents summoned and interrogated the journalists about 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 their immediate expulsion.

Libération, in an editorial, stated that the decision to expel its correspondent was “unjustified” and allegedly linked to Faivre’s investigation published on March 27. This report concerned a video purportedly filmed at a military barracks in Ouahigouya, Yatenga province, depicting the bodies of children alongside individuals in what appeared to be Burkinabé military uniforms. Le Monde denounced these expulsions as “unacceptable,” condemning the “arbitrary decision with the utmost firmness.”

The expulsion of these two journalists represents the latest incident in a series of attacks on freedom of expression and media in Burkina Faso. This follows the suspension of the French international news channel France 24 on March 27, and the earlier suspension of French international radio station Radio France Internationale (RFI) on December 3, 2022. Both outlets were accused by the Burkinabé government of disseminating false news.

“The junta is inflicting irreparable damage on freedom of expression in this country,” declared Daouda Diallo, a prominent Burkinabé human rights activist and 2022 Martin Ennals Award laureate, recognized as the most prestigious award for human rights defenders. “Journalism is not a crime, and it should cease to be a dangerous profession in Burkina Faso.”

Both local and international journalists and media organizations operating in Burkina Faso are increasingly subjected to harassment, threats, and arbitrary arrests. This pattern reflects a blatant attempt by the military junta to silence independent and critical sources of information within the nation.

As Burkina Faso grapples with an armed conflict involving Islamist armed groups, journalists must be allowed to operate 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. Crucially, authorities must remove all obstacles hindering the vital work of journalists who inform and educate the Burkinabé populace.

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