Burkina Faso has taken the controversial decision to suspend the radio broadcasts of BBC Africa and Voice of America (VOA) for two weeks.
The decision came after the broadcasters covered a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report accusing the Burkinabe army of extrajudicial killings.
According to the HRW report, the Burkinabe military summarily executed around 223 villagers, including 56 children, in February. This was part of a campaign against civilians suspected of collaborating with jihadist militants. HRW has called on authorities to investigate these massacres and hold those responsible accountable.
The country’s communication council justified the suspension by stating that HRW’s report contained inflammatory statements against the army that could incite public disorder. As a result, the council decided to suspend the programmes of BBC and VOA and ordered internet service providers to block access to their websites in Burkina Faso.
Both BBC and VOA have expressed their disappointment with the decision. A BBC spokesperson mentioned that the suspension limits their ability to provide independent and accurate news to audiences. VOA’s acting Director also urged the government to reconsider the decision, emphasizing their commitment to fair reporting.
The HRW investigation was prompted by reports of unidentified assailants executing around 170 people in several villages earlier this year. The U.N. human rights office has voiced its concern over the civilian killings and the temporary suspension of the two media outlets.
Burkina Faso, like other Sahel nations, has been grappling with Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State for years. The failure of authorities to protect civilians has contributed to political instability in the region, including coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
