Burkina Faso’s military government has suspended U.S.-funded broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) for three months over remarks made regarding the ongoing jihadist insurgency in West Africa’s Sahel region. Authorities also temporarily barred local outlets from using international media reports, as announced on Monday.
The junta, which took power in a second coup in September 2022, has increasingly cracked down on criticism amid growing insecurity, despite its pledges to defeat Islamist militants.
The country’s communication authority (CSC) accused VOA of undermining the morale of troops in Burkina Faso and Mali during a discussion aired on Sept. 19. The broadcaster was criticized for describing a jihadist attack on Bamako as “courageous,” criticizing military operations, and inaccurately reporting the death toll from an August attack in Burkina Faso.
In response, the CSC has halted synchronization between local and international media. VOA has yet to comment on the decision.
Burkina Faso, along with other Sahel countries, has faced growing Islamist insurgencies since 2012, resulting in widespread violence and displacement. Frustration with the inability to protect civilians has led to multiple coups in the region since 2020.
In April, Burkina Faso suspended VOA, BBC Africa, and other international outlets for two weeks after they covered a Human Rights Watch report accusing the military of extrajudicial killings—allegations the government denies. Last month, France’s RFI radio station had its frequencies revoked without explanation.
