Burkina Faso Suspends Voice Of America for Three Months Over Jihadist Insurgency Report

Burkina Faso’s military junta has suspended U.S.-funded broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) for three months over comments related to the jihadist insurgency in West Africa’s Sahel region, according to authorities on Monday. The ruling military, which came to power in a coup in September 2022, has also temporarily banned local media from using any reports from international outlets.

The Superior Council for Communication (CSC) accused VOA of demoralising Burkinabe and Malian troops in a September 19 broadcast, in which the reporter described a recent jihadist attack on Bamako as “courageous” and criticised security operations. The council also claimed the report included an unfounded death toll from an August attack in Burkina Faso that killed hundreds.

In response, the CSC has halted synchronisation of national media with international sources until further notice. VOA has yet to comment on the suspension.

Burkina Faso is one of several Sahel countries battling Islamist insurgencies linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State. The conflict, which began in neighboring Mali in 2012, has led to thousands of deaths and millions displaced. Worsening security and frustration with authorities’ handling of the insurgency have contributed to a series of coups across the region, including in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Earlier this year, Burkina Faso suspended broadcasts of VOA, BBC Africa, and others over their coverage of a Human Rights Watch report accusing the Burkinabe military of extrajudicial killings, which the army denies. Last month, the CSC revoked the frequencies of France’s RFI radio without explanation.

Melissa Enoch

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