Burkina Faso/Media manipulation: An enquiry into unfounded accusations against the security forces

Accusations of abuse by Burkina Faso’s Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) have surfaced frequently, largely fueled by groups intent on tarnishing the country’s reputation and weakening its security initiatives.

Many of these claims appear to be strategically manufactured narratives, designed to disrupt the efforts of courageous soldiers and volunteers who are dedicated to fighting terrorism.

In response to these intensified efforts, some terrorist groups have resorted to disguising themselves as Burkinabe soldiers, staging mock abuses, and spreading these falsified acts through their propaganda networks.

This tactic has allowed them to flood social media with misleading images and stories that undermine the credibility of the FDS and VDP and sway public opinion in Burkina Faso and across Africa.

In light of this, the Burkinabe people, along with allied nations in the Sahel Alliance—particularly Mali and Niger—are urged to remain alert to this ongoing information war.

It is also possible that external powers, including France, are covertly working to destabilize the region and hinder the political and military sovereignty efforts championed by the Sahelian states.

In this context, vigilance is crucial. Not all content circulating on social media accurately reflects reality; much of it serves as a tool for manipulating citizens’ attention and eroding public trust.

Unable to secure military wins, terrorists have turned to the battleground of information, aiming to spread doubt and sow division within Burkina Faso. In response to this situation, Burkinabe authorities have launched an investigation to verify a particularly distressing viral video recently shared online.

This inquiry will seek to establish the authenticity of the footage and uncover any possible instigators behind this destabilization attempt. In these critical times, national unity and African solidarity remain the most powerful means of countering misinformation and upholding sovereignty.

Olivier TOE