Burkina Faso has suspended the BBC and Voice of America radio stations following their coverage of a damning report by Human Rights Watch regarding a mass killing of civilians allegedly perpetrated by the country’s armed forces.
The decision to suspend both radio stations for two weeks was announced late on Thursday by Burkina Faso’s communication spokesperson, Tonssira Myrian Corine Sanou. Additionally, other media networks were warned against reporting on the story.
The report released by Human Rights Watch on Thursday implicated the army in the killing of 223 civilians, including 56 children, in villages suspected of collaborating with militants. The findings gained international attention, with coverage by major news outlets including the Associated Press.
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In response to the suspension, Voice of America asserted its commitment to accurate reporting, stating, “VOA stands by its reporting about Burkina Faso and intends to continue to fully and fairly cover activities in the country.”
Meanwhile, the BBC did not offer any comment in response to the suspension.
The move by Burkina Faso authorities to silence international media coverage of the human rights report raises concerns about press freedom and transparency in the country. The suspensions come amid growing scrutiny of the government’s handling of security issues and human rights violations in the region.
