Burkina Faso/Media suspension: Does the CSC need a third-party opinion?
The controversy surrounding the decision of the Higher Council of Communication (HCC) to suspend certain international media outlets broadcasting in Burkina Faso raises the question of whether media regulators need the opinion of a third party before acting in the interest of their nation.
To recap, some media outlets such as BBC Afrique, Voice of America (VOA), and TV5 have had their programs suspended for two weeks.
They are accused of disseminating biased information from Human Rights Watch (HRW) regarding an alleged civilian massacre by the Burkinabe army.
Furthermore, access to the Human Rights Watch website has been blocked, and several other media outlets have been suspended by the Higher Council of Communication until further notice.
They too are accused of publishing biased information about the Burkinabe army. Following this bold decision aimed at protecting the population and the country of upright people, condemnations have arisen, citing press freedom.
In their joint accusatory statement against the Burkinabe armed forces, the governments of the United States and the United Kingdom firmly opposed the suspension of media and the restrictions imposed on all media outlets to refrain from relaying information through their articles.
They also invoked press freedom, celebrated on May 3rd, and urged the Higher Council of Communication of Burkina Faso to reconsider its decision to suspend media outlets.
But should the security and life of an entire nation be sacrificed in the name of press freedom and for mere allegations?
The actors behind these implicated media outlets live peacefully in their countries and seek from afar to endanger the lives and security of the sons and daughters of a nation, to destroy their dream of achieving total sovereignty and reclaiming their territory from terrorists.
Let us not forget that these media outlets have played a role in igniting wars in some countries.
Should the authorities of this country remain indifferent to this situation, which risks compromising their efforts in the fight against terrorism for the pleasure of foreigners working for imperialists? Burkina Faso seeks only to protect its interests and its population, as any other country at war would do.
Maurice K. ZONGO
