Burkina Faso has taken action against the BBC and Voice of America (VOA) radio stations following their coverage of a Human Rights Watch report detailing a mass killing of civilians by the country’s armed forces.
Tonssira Myrian Corine Sanou, Burkina Faso’s communication spokesperson, announced late Thursday that both radio stations would face a two-week suspension. Additionally, other media outlets were cautioned against reporting on the story.
The Human Rights Watch report, released Thursday, documented the army’s alleged killing of 223 civilians, including 56 children, in villages suspected of collaborating with militants. The report garnered international attention, with coverage from outlets like the Associated Press.
Responding to the suspension, VOA stated that it “stands by its reporting about Burkina Faso and intends to continue to fully and fairly cover activities in the country”.
Melissa Enoch
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