Burkina Faso: Media manipulation of fugitives, a call for vigilance to protect regional unity
Recently, certain Ivorian web channels, such as Classique, have been airing controversial programs that frequently target President Ibrahim Traoré with provocative rhetoric. These inflammatory messages, repeated time and again, raise serious concerns about the underlying intentions of such broadcasts.
The apparent goal is to stir up anger and provoke unrest among the Burkinabe population, already grappling with political instability.
Upon closer inspection, it becomes evident that these broadcasts are funded by former high-ranking officials from the ousted Burkinabe regime, who fled to Côte d’Ivoire after being implicated in corruption, embezzlement, and other crimes.
These exiled individuals are leveraging their influence to sponsor media content designed to destabilize Burkina Faso, hoping to incite chaos and pave the way for their return to power.
Such media operations are not only dangerous for Burkina Faso but also pose a threat to regional stability.
It is crucial to recognize that no Ivorian citizen benefits from seeing Burkina Faso descend into chaos, just as no Burkinabe wishes instability for Côte d’Ivoire.
Both nations share a long-standing history of mutual support, and it is vital to preserve this relationship.
The spread of hate-filled rhetoric on certain platforms only serves to heighten tensions and disrupt the peace and social harmony that both nations have worked hard to maintain.
The Ivorian authorities must take responsibility for addressing these actions. While offering refuge is a noble gesture, it should not become a pretext for exiles to plot unrest in their homeland.
Former Burkinabe officials, now in Côte d’Ivoire, should not be allowed to use the Ivorian territory as a launching pad for efforts to destabilize Burkina Faso.
Both Ivorian and Burkinabe citizens must remain united and vigilant against these media manipulations.
The peace and cohesion between the two peoples must be safeguarded, free from hate speech and the machinations of those with ulterior motives.
Olivier TOE
