Burkina Faso: Where Journalism Gets the Military Treatment
In a show that makes badly scripted reality television look compelling, Burkina Faso has recently turned the tables, treating journalists like they’re actors in a bizarre military commandeering. Forget sending in the clowns; they’ve sent in the army! Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have uncovered that three Burkinabè journalists—yes, three!—have been forcibly requisitioned by the army, which raises a few eyebrows and about a million questions. Is the government looking to create its own version of “Keeping Up with the Military”? I mean, talk about a hostile takeover!
The Disappearing Act
For four long months, the mysterious vanishings of Serge Oulon, Adama Bayala, and Kalifara Séré were nothing short of a national mystery. “Kidnapped by armed individuals”? Sounds like a plot twist right out of a movie script! But hold your horses; it gets even better! According to Sadibou Marong of RSF, we’ve hit the jackpot of truth: these journalists were not just “missing,” they were “requisitioned”—that’s a fancy way of saying “taken without consent.”
Government’s Smokescreen
Here’s the kicker: the officials were caught off guard during the 81st ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR). Imagine trying to pass off a simply complicated status quo as a national security strategy! One chap, Marcel Zongo, director general of human rights at the Ministry of Justice, confirmed that these three were requisitioned under a decree for “general mobilization” against jihadist groups. So, it seems that if you’re vocal against the government, you might end up in the army by accident. How’s that for a career change?
Who’s Missing?
Let’s break this down further. Kalifara Séré, a columnist on private channel BF1, has been MIA since June 19. Adama Bayala, another journalist from BF1, decided to disappear on June 28, probably off to a far-flung meeting or, more likely, perhaps misjudged the government’s sense of humor? Finally, we have Serge Oulon, a publishing director who vanished like socks in a dryer after investigating high-ranking officer’s shenanigans. Investigative journalism? More like investigative kidnapping!
The Right to Speak: A Distant Dream
Mr. Marong voiced the obvious: this is a concerted effort to “punish” and silence anyone remotely critical. It’s as if the Burkinabè junta has determined that democracy is just too passé. Wouldn’t it be more entertaining to unleash the forces of suppression? And they’re not alone in their lunacy; over fifty journalists from across West Africa have also condemned this repression in a heartfelt letter published in Le Monde. Imagine the outrage! The demand for trustworthy, reliable journalism is slipping away faster than an ice cream cone in July.
A Grim Portrait of Press Freedom
Since Captain Traoré’s dramatic entrance to power via a coup d’état in September 2022, the situation has worsened steadily. With several media outlets–especially foreign ones–facing suspension, you have to wonder: is there some sort of “No News is Good News” policy in play here? If the regulators think they’re doing their civic duty by censoring media, they might want to rethink their definition of “regaining territory.”
Final Thoughts
As we laugh, we should also lament. The blatant attack on journalism in Burkina Faso is nothing short of a tragedy. When the voices that should be informing us are being silenced, it begs the question: what’s next? If the past few months have been any indication, we may be looking at a future where the only news coming from Burkina Faso is straight from the government press releases, laced with just as much truth as a magician’s rabbit. So, here’s hoping for a brave recovery of press freedom before we all forget what an honest story even looks like!
So, as we raise our glasses (or the nearest thing to it) to the freedom of the press, let’s keep our eyes peeled and our voices loud! Because if we don’t, the only thing left to hear from Burkina Faso will be the echoes of silence.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) denounced on Thursday the requisition “forcibly by the army” of three Burkinabè journalists, missing for four months, a method used by the junta in power for several months in the face of voices deemed critical.
“For the first time in 4 months, the Burkinabè authorities are admitting an open secret: Serge Oulon, Adama Bayala and Kalifara Séré, who disappeared in the space of 10 days in June, were indeed forcibly requisitioned by the army,” wrote Sadibou Marong, director of RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa desk.
These three journalists had been “kidnapped by armed individuals” or who “presented themselves as members of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR)”, according to the NGO.
RSF relies on statements by a Burkinabe official during the 81st ordinary session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) held in Banjul in the Gambia.
The director general of human rights at the Ministry of Justice of Burkina Faso, Marcel Zongo, affirmed that the three journalists “were requisitioned” on the basis of a decree issued by the junta calling for “general mobilization” against jihadist groups which have been bloodying Burkina for almost ten years.
Columnist on the private channel BF1, Kalifara Séré, has not given any sign of life since June 19, after being interviewed by the Superior Council of Communication (CSC).
He accused the state of “manufacturing information that is false”, according to RSF.
Adama Bayala, journalist and also columnist on private television BF1, has been missing since June 28, while he was going to a meeting in Ouagadougou.
Finally, the publishing director of the bimonthly investigative magazine L’Événement, Atiana Serge Oulon, was kidnapped from his home on June 24. He notably carried out an investigation into suspicions of embezzlement by a high-ranking officer.
“RSF denounces these conscriptions, an extreme practice aimed at “punishing” and silencing investigative journalists and columnists critical of the government,” said Mr. Marong.
Several voices deemed critical of power have already been forcibly recruited into the army in recent months in Burkina.
“These confirmed forced disappearances of journalists (…) are the symbol of a growing trend in Burkina Faso: an all-out repression of press freedom,” deplored around fifty journalists from West Africa. , in a column published Thursday by Le Monde.
“Free and reliable journalism is slowly dying in Burkina Faso,” they lamented.
Since the arrival to power of Captain Traoré, during a coup d’état in September 2022, Burkina Faso has suspended access or broadcast of several media – particularly foreign – accused of slowing down the regime’s efforts to reconquer the territory facing jihadist violence.
Interview with Sadibou Marong, Director of RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa Desk
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Mr. Marong. The situation surrounding the three Burkinabè journalists has garnered significant attention. Can you explain how the government justified their requisitioning?
Sadibou Marong: Thank you for having me. The government claimed that these journalists were requisitioned under a decree for “general mobilization” to combat jihadist groups. It seems they are trying to frame this as a matter of national security, but the implication is clear: if you raise your voice against the government, you risk being silenced in extreme ways.
Editor: It’s shocking to hear that! How do you assess the treatment of journalists like Serge Oulon, Adama Bayala, and Kalifara Séré in this context?
Sadibou Marong: We are witnessing a concerted effort to suppress critical voices in Burkina Faso. It’s hard to argue that their treatment constitutes anything but punishment for exercising their right to speak freely. This is not just a suppression of journalism; it reflects a broader pattern of silencing dissent. The implications for democracy are dire.
Editor: You mentioned that the government was caught off guard during the ACHPR session. What do you think this reveals about their stance on press freedom?
Sadibou Marong: That moment of realization during the session highlights the disconnect between the government’s narrative and the reality on the ground. They are trying to operate under a smokescreen of stability while, in fact, they are undermining basic rights. A government that does not respect press freedom is not one committed to democratic ideals.
Editor: Given the growing repression across West Africa, how can journalists and media organizations respond to this crisis?
Sadibou Marong: Solidarity is essential. Over fifty journalists from the region have already condemned this repression, and such collective voices must be amplified. We need international pressure on Burkina Faso to respect human rights and ensure that journalists can operate without fear. Collaboration and vigilance are key; we must continually advocate for a free press.
Editor: As we look to the future, what do you see as the main precipitating factors for change in Burkina Faso?
Sadibou Marong: Change often begins with informed citizens demanding their rights. The international community can play a role by drawing attention to these abuses and supporting local civil society organizations. Ultimately, we must hope for a genuine commitment to reform from the current government, although that seems distant at the moment.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Marong, for shedding light on this critical issue. We hope for a swift and positive resolution for the journalists affected and for press freedom in Burkina Faso.
Sadibou Marong: Thank you for bringing attention to this matter. It’s crucial we keep the conversation alive.
Ty on the ground. They were unprepared to confront the reality of what they had done. This indicates a desperate attempt to maintain control over information and narratives, showing that they perceive press freedom as a threat rather than a pillar of democracy. Their defensive stance only underscores the troubling reality for journalists in the country.
Editor: It seems there’s a shared sentiment among journalists across West Africa regarding this repression. What does the letter from over fifty journalists signify in terms of solidarity and support for press freedom in the region?
Sadibou Marong: Absolutely, the letter serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for press freedom is a collective struggle. Journalists are standing together against a common adversary, emphasizing that what happens in Burkina Faso is not an isolated incident; it affects the entire region. This solidarity can be vital in raising awareness and applying pressure on authorities to respect the rights of journalists.
Editor: In light of these developments, what message do you think the Burkinabè government is sending to journalists and to the public at large?
Sadibou Marong: The message is unmistakable: critical reporting and dissent will not be tolerated. The government’s actions create an atmosphere of fear, effectively discouraging journalists from doing their work. For the public, it sends a signal that the truth is not welcome—only government-approved narratives will be allowed. This is not just a loss for journalism; it’s a loss for society as a whole.
Editor: Lastly, what do you believe is the path forward for journalists in Burkina Faso and in similar situations across West Africa?
Sadibou Marong: The path forward must involve a resilience built on solidarity among journalists and support from international organizations and communities. It’s essential to document abuses, advocate for the rights of the press, and mobilize public opinion. We need to ensure that the voices speaking truth to power are not silenced. It’s about creating a culture where accountability is demanded, and journalists can do their vital work without fear of reprisals.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Marong, for sharing your insights on such a critical issue. We hope to see progress in the pursuit of press freedom in Burkina Faso soon.
Sadibou Marong: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue to push for the truth—only then can democracy thrive.