Burkina Faso: Junta suspends Voice of America, press freedom further affected

Burkina Faso has decided to suspend the broadcasts of Voice of America (VOA) for a period of three months. This warning shot follows a report that, according to the Traoré regime, undermined the morale of the armed forces after a series of jihadist attacks in the region. This action is part of a series of repressions against the media, after similar sanctions were taken against Radio France Internationale . Since coming to power, the Traoré junta seems to want to control the information that circulates.

A hostile climate for the press

This is not the first time that the Traoré regime has attacked international media. Already in April 2023, RFI suffered a similar suspension after criticism of its coverage of the terrorist attacks that shook the country. Voice of America , a respected media outlet, seems to be paying the price for its coverage deemed "biased" by the Burkinabe government. The junta, in power since 2022 after the overthrow of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, is thus trying to tighten its control over the national and international media space.

The sanctions come amid growing tensions between the transitional government and media outlets that still dare to independently cover the dire security situation in Burkina Faso. The authorities accuse these outlets of undermining the morale of the defense and security forces, a recurring argument to justify such decisions.

An information war

With more than 40 percent of the territory under jihadist control, the junta has stepped up its efforts to control communication around military operations. The suspension of VOA, which reaches an international audience, shows a clear desire to control the narrative at all costs. The move could also have a chilling effect on other media outlets that try to broadcast information perceived as unfavorable to the regime.

As the security situation continues to deteriorate, this suspension adds to the long list of attacks on press freedom in Burkina Faso. The question remains how long journalists will be able to practice their profession in a country that is sliding dangerously towards authoritarianism under the guise of national security.