Burkina Faso: Suspension of Radio France Internationale (RFI) for broadcasting « intimidation messages

Radio France Internationale (RFI) has been suspended from broadcasting its programmes throughout Burkina Faso. The French public media is accused of relaying « messages of intimidation » of volunteers engaged in defending their country and of broadcasting an alleged coup attempt against the power of Captain Ibrahim Traoré.

RFI, which belongs to the France Médias Monde (FMM) media group, is followed by about 40% of Burkinabè. Early last week, the radio station relayed an intimidation message attributed to a terrorist leader of the al-Qaeda affiliated Groupe de soutien à l’islam et aux musulmans (GSIM), who threatened in a video that he would attack all villages defended by the VDP.

A message that could demobilise thousands of Burkinabè who, in the name of patriotism, have enlisted to reinforce the army in the fight against violent extremism.

Then, the same French media has in its press review of last Friday, disseminated false information that the sword of Damocles has targeted the power of Ibrahim Traoré.

These serious failings on the part of the French media are not likely to advance the struggle initiated by the young captain to get his country out of the rut.

Burkina is going through a sensitive period where the people need to be motivated and encouraged.

Ibrahim Traoré is in no way an executioner or a supporter of muzzling freedom of expression. He is neither a fan of standing ovations for himself. However, the current security situation requires professionalism on the part of journalists, to make the fight easier. I am not asking you to praise Captain Traoré, but to treat the information in such a way as not to demoralise the fighters at the front, » the President said.

The government also wants to « reaffirm to national and international opinion its attachment to press freedom and opinion » and « the public’s right to information », but « invites you to respect the rules and principles laid down in this area in our country », the statement said, denouncing « the manoeuvres » of dissuasion propagated by the RFI channel.

« On 3 November, the government had already expressed its indignation at the tendentious attitude of journalists from this media (RFI) and their propensity to discredit the struggle in which the Burkinabe people are engaged for more freedom and dignity. « In view of all the above, the government has decided to immediately suspend the broadcasting of Radio France Internationale programmes throughout the country until further notice, » the Burkinabe executive’s note said.

Burkina Faso becomes the second African country to suspend the RFI news channel in 2022 after Mali.

Miss OLY