Authorities in Burkina Faso have suspended Voice of America (VOA) radio for three months, citing comments “likely to undermine the morale of the forces” engaged in combating terrorists, according to a statement from the US radio network on Wednesday.
Since 2015, Burkina Faso has faced a relentless insurgency that spilled over from neighbouring Mali, leaving the West African nation struggling with instability.
Since Captain Ibrahim Traore’s takeover in a September 2022 coup, numerous foreign media outlets—mainly French—have faced temporary or indefinite closures.
“Pursuant to the order, we have shut down our FM transmitter in Ouagadougou,” VOA spokesman Nigel Gibbs said in a statement sent to AFP.
According to Burkina Faso‘s state news agency, AIB, the Supreme Council for Communication (CSC) suspended VOA after a journalist from the media outlet described a jihadist attack on September 17 in the Malian capital Bamako as “courageous”.
It said the journalist also said that nothing “is being done in terms of security by the combat forces” of Burkina Faso.
The AIB news agency quoted the regulatory authority as saying that the “serious shortcomings” were “likely to undermine the morale of combat forces” who are battling jihadist groups.
VOA was reportedly fined 25 million CFA francs ($42,000, 38,100 euros).
“While VOA respects the regulatory framework within Burkina Faso, we do not agree with what we believe are incorrect assertions made by the CSC,” Gibbs said.
He also denied that the radio network had “condoned or justified terrorism”.
“Statements made during the programme in question, Washington Forum, were part of an open discussion designed to inform and engage audiences on important security matters affecting the region,” Gibbs added.
“Our goal was to approach the topic in a fair and impartial way.”
The junta has prioritised the restoration of national sovereignty and frequently criticised Western powers.