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Coalition of Human Rights Organisations Condemn Repression of Media in Burkina Faso

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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

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Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio

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Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio

… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, on Tuesday, officially opened a newly constructed 48-classroom High Islamic College in Gubio Local Government Area of northern Borno.

The state-of-the-art institution is designed to offer a hybrid curriculum that integrates western education with traditional sangaya (Qur’anic) educational system.

Zulum had introduced an integrated policy framework which aims to provide students with a holistic education, grounding them in both religious principles and contemporary academic knowledge.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Zulum emphasised that the college is structured to ensure its graduates are not only deeply rooted in Islamic scholarship but are also fully equipped and qualified to pursue higher education in conventional institutions.

“Our focus has been on revitalising the system by preserving its rich tradition of Islamic scholarship while introducing modern subjects and vocational skills. We recognise the historic role of sangaya education in shaping moral values, discipline, and learning within our communities, while also equipping learners with essential skills in literacy, numeracy, science, technology, foundational English, and vocational training to enable them to function effectively and competitively in today’s society.”

“Through institutions operating under the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS) approved curriculum, sangaya learners are now receiving a balanced education that integrates Islamic Studies with modern knowledge. These reforms have created clear pathways for graduates to obtain O-Level equivalent certification and, where they so desire, progress to higher institutions of learning to further develop their potential.”

The facility, in addition to the 48 classrooms, also features administrative blocks and a library. It is expected to serve hundreds of students from Gubio and surrounding communities, reducing the need for children to travel far from home for quality integrated education.

Zulum also commissioned the Gubio II Junior Day Secondary School, executed by Borno State Government. During a tour of the facilities, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, explained that classrooms are intended to provide safe and inclusive learning spaces, with a particular focus on improving access for adolescent girls.

… Commissions 3 projects executed by Gubio LGA

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has commissioned three projects executed by the Chairman of Gubio Local Government Area, Mali Bulama Mali Gubio.

The projects include Gubio Oil Mills, Zulum Ultramodern Clinic, and Mustapha Gubio Shopping Complex.

The occasions were attended by the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; and Members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zanah and Engr Bukar Talba.

Other dignitaries include the Speaker Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, commissioners, special advisers and other senior government officials.

Zulum Inaugurates 48-Classroom High Islamic College in Gubio

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Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

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Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

By: Yahaya Wakili

Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has charged the newly appointed chairman of the Yusufari local government area to consider security of lives and property as the priority of the administration.

Buni gave the warning today while swearing in Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the chairman of the council following the death of Alhaji Bah Abba Aji some few days ago.

According to Buni, the death of the chairman has created a vacuum that must be filled for continuity in governance, and this justifies the appointment of Alhaji Adamu Jibrin as the new chairman of the Yusufari local government council.

He urged him to be a good team player for a result-oriented administration that would give members of the council and people of the local government area a sense of belonging.

Governor Buni also urged the new chairman to conduct government business transparently to promote accountability and probity as well as to channel government resources into areas of need that have a direct impact on the lives of the people.

He appealed to the people of the local government area to support the new chairman for a smooth and successful administration that would meet the needs of the people.

Yobe: Prioritize security, Buni tells newly appointed Chairman of Yusufari

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Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase

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Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum has approved a substantial increase in rural allowances for health workers as part of efforts to address the shortage of medical personnel in remote communities across the state.

The governor announced the decision after inspecting several government projects in the northern axis of Borno. The inspection covered Government Secondary School, Gubio; two general hospitals; and ongoing housing developments in Gubio and Magumeri Local Government Areas.

Under the new arrangement, medical doctors posted to rural areas under the State Hospital Management Board will receive a rural allowance equivalent to their full basic salary, representing a 100 per cent increase. Nurses and midwives serving in similar locations will receive a 40 per cent increase in their rural allowances. The policy takes effect from January 1.

Governor Zulum said the move was informed by persistent manpower gaps in public health facilities, particularly in rural communities.

“We are facing serious challenges with human resources for health. Many of our hospitals do not have enough doctors and nurses,” he said. “Our findings show that a good number of medical professionals prefer working with international organisations because the pay is better. We must respond to this reality.”

According to the governor, the improved welfare package is expected to make rural postings more attractive and encourage more qualified personnel to work in general hospitals at the local government level.

He expressed optimism that the incentive would significantly improve healthcare delivery in villages and underserved areas, adding that health workers willing to take up rural postings should report to the State Hospital Management Board.

During his visit to Government Secondary School, Gubio, the governor also directed the immediate provision of essential facilities for the school’s laboratories and library to improve teaching and learning.

The inspection tour was attended by the Senator representing Borno North, Mohammed Tahir Monguno; members of the House of Representatives, Usman Zannah and Engr. Bukar Talba; and several commissioners and senior government officials, including those in charge of information, works and housing, local government affairs, and water resources.

The allowance increase forms part of the Zulum administration’s broader strategy to strengthen public service delivery and improve living conditions in rural communities across Borno State.

Zulum Boosts Rural Health Incentives With Major Allowance Increase

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