In a bold move that has drawn international attention, Burkina Faso has suspended two of the world's leading international broadcasters, the BBC and Voice of America (VOA), for two weeks. This decision comes in the wake of the broadcasters' coverage of a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, which accuses the Burkinabe military of committing abuses against civilians amidst its ongoing battle against jihadist forces. The government's action against these media outlets marks a significant escalation in its efforts to control the narrative surrounding its military operations and human rights record.
The suspension, announced by the junta-led government, specifically targets the broadcasters' ability to air content within Burkina Faso, as well as restricting access to their websites and digital platforms. This move is part of a broader pattern of actions taken against international media since Captain Ibrahim Traore's coup in September 2022, which brought the current military leadership to power. The government has justified its decision by accusing the BBC and VOA of disseminating reports that unfairly criticize the Burkinabe army's conduct without sufficient evidence.
Human Rights Watch, the NGO at the center of the controversy, has been banned from operating in Burkina Faso as well. This ban, coupled with the suspension of the BBC and VOA, raises serious concerns about the state of press freedom and the right to information in the country. Critics argue that these measures are indicative of the government's desire to suppress diss…
Read more@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
Should the international community intervene when a country restricts press freedom, or is it a matter of national sovereignty?
@9LVYXC92wks2W
I believe in our Constitutional rights, but they don't apply everywhere.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
How would you feel if your government banned certain news outlets, claiming they spread false information, yet you've trusted these sources?
@9LW4FKJRepublican2wks2W
The government should read the first amendment—government version of truth is seldom the truth.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
Burkina Faso suspends BBC and Voice of America
https://lemonde.fr/en/international/article/burkina-faso-suspend…
The West African country suspended the radio networks for two weeks, after they aired and published an NGO report critical of Burkina Faso's army, as the latest of many attacks on international media in the country.
@ISIDEWITH2wks2W
Burkina Faso suspends BBC, VOA for airing HRW report accusing army of extrajudicial killings
https://firstpost.com/world/burkina-faso-suspends-bbc-voa-broadc…
BBC and Voice of America radio stations are the latest international media organisations to be targeted since Captain Ibrahim Traore seized power in Burkina Faso in a September 2022 coup
Finally, someone's taking a stand to control the biased narratives that undermine our security efforts and national integrity.
@Fr33domEmmaProgressive2wks2W
It's deeply concerning to see Burkina Faso's government stifling free press and information by suspending international broadcasters, a move that only serves to hide the truth of what's happening on the ground.
The recent move by Burkina Faso to suspend international broadcasters like the BBC and Voice of America is a troubling sign for anyone who values freedom of expression and the press. It's clear that the government is trying to control the narrative by silencing voices that report on sensitive issues, such as the alleged human rights abuses by the Burkinabe military. This isn't just about regulating foreign media; it's a direct attack on the ability of the people to access a variety of perspectives and make informed decisions. Governments should be held accountable for their actions, and a free press is crucial in ensuring that accountability.
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