Burkina Faso’s Higher Council of Communication (CSC) has suspended Voice of America (VOA) broadcasts for three months. The CSC claimed VOA’s “Washington Forum,” aired on September 19 on Ouaga FM, glorified terrorism. They accused it of undermining the morale of Burkinabe and Malian Armed Forces. This airing on Ouaga FM led to the CSC’s decision to suspend VOA broadcasts.
Controversial Statements Spark Suspension
During the controversial broadcast, VOA reporter Bagassi Koura referred to a recent terrorist attack in Bamako as “courageous” and criticised the Burkinabe military’s response to similar attacks, particularly the August 2024 Barsalgho attack, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties. The CSC found these remarks misleading and harmful to public morale, leading to VOA’s temporary suspension.
Media Accountability Enforced
As part of the suspension, the CSC has urged Ouaga FM to exercise greater caution in its content choices. Additionally, the council has suspended synchronisation between national and international media until further notice. This move reflects the CSC’s determination to uphold media responsibility, especially in the context of ongoing security challenges in Burkina Faso.
Repeated Sanctions on VOA
This is the second time in 2024 that VOA has faced a suspension in Burkina Faso. Earlier in April, the CSC imposed a two-week ban on the U.S. broadcaster following its airing of a Human Rights Watch report that accused the Burkinabe army of human rights violations. The recurrent suspensions signal the increasing tension between international media and Burkinabe authorities.
Military Morale and Media Freedom
Burkina Faso, facing continuous terrorist threats, has been cautious about how media portrays its military efforts. The CSC’s decision highlights the government’s sensitivity to reports that may affect military morale or present a skewed narrative of the ongoing fight against terrorism. This raises questions about balancing national security concerns and media freedom.
VOA’s Future in Burkina Faso Uncertain
With VOA’s broadcasts halted for the next three months, the future relationship between the broadcaster and Burkina Faso’s communication authorities remains uncertain. As the country continues to grapple with terrorism and internal conflicts, how international media covers these issues will likely remain a contentious subject.
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