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Coalition of Human Rights Organisations Condemn Repression of Media in Burkina Faso
Coalition of Human Rights Organisations Condemn Repression of Media in Burkina Faso
By: Michael Mike
African citizen movements, activists, campaigners, civil society actors strongly condemn the ongoing repression of journalists and media actors, as well as the drastic closing of civic space in Burkina Faso
The day after their arrest, the government decided to dissolve the AJB, justifying the measure on the grounds of alleged non-compliance with a 2015 law governing associations.
‘According to the law. there is no association called the Association of Journalists of Burkina, declared the Minister of Territorial Administration, Emile Zerbo, in a press
release.
On March 30, the Executive Secretary of Balai Citoyen, Ousmane Lankoande, was abducted by the military junta upon his return from an event in Cotonou, Benin. Just days prior, another Balai Citoyen activist,
Amadou Sawadogo, was also kidnapped in Ouagadougou. Both individuals remain missing, and their whereabouts are still unknown.
These incidents reflect the increasingly repressive environment in Burkina Faso, where civil society actors are targeted and silenced under the current regime.
Several journalists and media figures were kidnapped and reported missing in 2024, including Atiana Serges Oulon, Bienvenu Apiou, James Dembélé, Mamadou Ali Compaoré, Kalifara Séré and Adama Bayala.
All were known for their criticism of the ruling junta. Until then, Burkina
Faso enjoyed a dynamic, professional and pluralist media landscape.
The country had more than 80 newspapers (Sidwaya, L’Événement, Le Pays), 185 radio stations (Omega FM), around 30 television channels (Radiodiffusion Télévision du Burkina, BF1) and more than a hundred
news websites (faso.net, Faso 7, Burkina 24).
Since the junta led by Captain Ibrahim Traoré came to power on 30 September 2022, censorship has intensified. The authorities began by banning access to several international media such as Deutsche Welle, Le Monde.fr, The Guardian, BBC, Voice of America, RFI, France 24 and
Jeune Afrique, accusing them of ‘harming the national effort against armed jihadist groups’
As a result, Burkina Faso saw its ranking in the World Press Freedom Index drop from 58ᵉ place in 2023 to 86ᵉ in 2024.
Repression is not limited to journalists. Political activists, human rights defenders and artists are either kidnapped or forced into exile. On 18 March, journalist Idrissa Barry, a member of the political movement
Servir et non se servir (Sens), was abducted in broad daylight after his organisation denounced massacres of civilians attributed to the army.
On 22 March, four other members of the movement suffered the same fate. In addition, the movement’s national coordinator, a lawyer and
co-founder of the Balai Citoyen collective, has been imprisoned since July 2024 on trumped-up charges of ‘conspiracy and criminal association’
.
On 25 May 2024, the junta extended the transition by five years at a national conference held behind closed doors. Traditional political parties have been excluded from the decision-making process, and the new charter imposes a criterion of ‘patriotism’ for membership of the transitional government and assembly, making opposition virtually impossible.
In fact, Burkina Faso is no longer in transition, since Captain Ibrahim
Traoré has been appointed President of Burkina Faso, a title conferred
only on an elected president. Furthermore, on 1 April 2025, in a speech broadcast on national television, the leader of the putschists officially decreed the end of democracy in Burkina Faso, proclaiming a
progressive popular revolution.
According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, Burkina Faso has been ranked as the country most affected by terrorism for the second year running. The central Sahel region, where Burkina Faso is located, has
become the epicentre of terrorism, accounting for more than half of all
terrorism-related deaths worldwide.
A statement by a coalition of human rights organisations at the weekend said: “Burkina Faso is the country most affected by terrorism in the Sahel, according to the Global Terrorism Index. However, this situation must not be used as a pretext for the repression of fundamental freedoms.
We recall that kidnappings, carried out outside any legal judicial framework, violate several articles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR).
We, citizens’ movements and civil society organisations committed to the defence of human rights and fundamental freedoms, demand : The immediate release of all abducted journalists and pro-democracy activists; An end to the repression of dissent voices and pro-democracy
activists; An end to the restriction of civic space and the opening up of political space for citizens’ organisations, political parties and movements to flourish; Respect for and protection of the fundamental rights of Burkina Faso’s citizens, in accordance with Article 1 of the Transition Charter adopted on 25 March 2024.
“In the face of the systematic repression of dissent voices in Burkina Faso, we urge the ECOWAS/AES mediators, and the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, to intervene and make the release of these
journalists and human rights activists an absolute priority.
“Finally, we reaffirm our unwavering solidarity and support for the pro-democracy activists in Burkina Faso, who are working courageously to defend fundamental rights and civil liberties in the face of the increasing repression.”
Coalition of Human Rights Organisations Condemn Repression of Media in Burkina Faso
News
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
Adamawa High Court IX, fixed Nov. 27th for ruling and judgment on suit filed by Shehu Yohanna and Zubairu Ishaq challenging their removal from office as Chairman Secretary, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Adamawa chapter.
The presiding judge, Justice Benjamin Manji, announced this at the end of the hearing on Thursday in Yola.
Earlier the plaintiff complained that their four-year tenure was illegally terminated before expiration.
Kambile who challenged: Amb.Omar Suleiman, Chairman Coalition Adamawa stakeholders; Sadiq Dasin, Chairman Transition Electoral/Congress Commitee; Malam Saidu Komsiri, State Interim Chairman and his Led Executive Committee members.
Others are: Babachir Lawan, National Vice Chairman North East; Sen. David Mark, ADC National Chairman and his Led National Executive Committee Members; National Working Committee and the ADC.
Yakubu Philemon (SAN) pleaded for the Court to allow Kambile to complete their four year tenure best on what the constitution of the party says.
Dr Emem Ibrahim-Effiong, counsel defendants argued that the matter is an internal party affair which the court should not interfere with.
After hearing both sides, Justice Manji subsequently adjourned the matter to Thursday November 27, for ruling and judgment as earlier agreed by all counsels.
ADC leadership tussle: Adamawa court to deliver judgment on Nov. 27
News
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Olufemi Oluyede has trained no fewer than 78 retired military veterans in North-East on vocational skills.
The veterans were drawn from Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe Taraba and Yobe States.
The theme is “Empowering Veterans Through Skills Acquisition for Capacity Building and Sustainability,”
Speaking at the three-day training in Yola on Wednesday, General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede, the CDS represented by Director, Veterans Affairs Division, Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Oluwafemi Williams said, the training is a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of the veterans.
He said, the initiative is for the veterans across six geopolitical zones to help themselves and their families due to the economic situation in the country.
“With the caliber of facilitators selected to deliver this training, I am confident that the participants will be well prepared to take full advantage of the existence of the poverty alleviation programme under my stewardship.
“And with alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu”, he said.
He urged them to take advantage of the training and improve on their livelihood and to also network with other colleagues.
According to him, subsequently the beneficiaries would be empowered with starter parks.
Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa, commend the Defence Headquarters for organising the training for the veterans across the six geopolitical zones.
Fintiri, presented by the Chief of Staff Government House also commended the veterans for their sacrifice in serving the nation, and urged them to take advantage of the training to succeed in future.
Prof. Augustine Danwe of Modibbo Adama University (MAU), Yola one of the resource persons said, the training would expose the veterans to a gold smile in Agricultural production.
According to him, with the discipline in the beneficiaries by the military when they implement the skills into practice they would succeed in their respective states.
He urged the veterans to apply the skills into practice for maximum benefit.
Sgt. Sule Gagare retired veteran and a beneficiary from Bauchi thanked and appreciated the CDS for empowering them with the skills and prayed for all the promises made to be fulfilled.
The training focuses on poultry products, snail farming, livestock management, fishery, animal husbandry, integrated irrigation farming system and Modern crops farming techniques.
Vocational skills: Chief of Defence Staff trains 78 retired veterans in North-East
News
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
The rugged landscape of Operation FASA YEMMA’s area of responsibility came alive with renewed optimism on Wednesday as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, paid his maiden operational visit, engaging frontline troops and assuring them of sustained support, welfare and enhanced joint operations.
The visit, which brought together senior commanders from the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force, marked a significant boost to the morale of troops deployed across one of Nigeria’s most challenging security theatres.
Addressing the soldiers, Shaibu praised their bravery and resilience, acknowledging the vastness and complexity of the area covered by the operation.
“I am here on my maiden operational visit to Operation FASA YEMMA. The area of responsibility is very large, and we understand what that means for all of you operating under difficult circumstances,” he said.
The COAS disclosed that he had received a thorough brief from the Theatre Commander, detailing operational challenges and requirements.
“I have just listened to a detailed brief from the Theatre Commander, which outlines the challenges the troops are facing, and we are tackling those challenges headlong,” he assured.
He also highlighted the presence of senior representatives from sister services, including the Nigerian Air Force and Nigerian Navy, reinforcing the commitment to joint inter-service collaboration.
“I am here with the Chief of Air Staff, ably represented by AVM Maddy, the Chief of Operation. Together, we are listening to the challenges of both the air and land components. The representative of the Chief of Naval Staff is also here, listening to the concerns of our Special Boat Service personnel. I assure you all that these issues will be addressed going forward,” he said.
Shaibu emphasized professionalism, discipline and the enduring values of the military as essential tools for confronting the region’s complex security threats.
“I want to encourage you to continue to uphold the core values of the Army and the Armed Forces so that we can tackle the myriad challenges confronting Operation FASA YEMMA,” he said.
In a tone that blended firmness with empathy, the COAS reminded troops of the significance of their service.
“As soldiers, you must understand that the job you are doing is a very noble one. Your presence here has ensured that most people go about their daily duties without fear. For that, we appreciate you,” he said.
He assured them that issues affecting their welfare would remain a priority of the Army leadership.
“Your welfare issues will be given top priority to ensure that you discharge your duties properly. These challenges are transient. Remain resolute, determined, and carry out your duties professionally. The Nigerian people appreciate what you are doing,” he added.
As he prepared to conclude his address, Shaibu opened the floor for direct engagement with the troops.
The visit is seen as part of the Army leadership’s broader effort to strengthen troop confidence, improve operational synergy, and reinvigorate the fight against banditry and terrorism in the North-West.
With vast forest corridors, fluid enemy movements and difficult terrain, Operation FASA YEMMA has remained a critical component of national security efforts.
COAS reassures troops, pledges improved support during operational visit to operation FANSAN YANMA in Zamfara
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