Burkina Faso Junta's Bold Move: Banning French Magazine on Grounds of Inaccuracy
Burkina Faso junta suspends French magazine Jeune Afrique over alleged publication of untruthful articles on internal military tensions and discontent, leading to a strained relationship
The military junta of Burkina Faso announced on Monday the suspension of the French news magazine Jeune Afrique. The suspension was due to the publication of "untruthful" articles that reported on tension and discontent within the country's armed forces, according to a statement released by the junta. This suspension is the latest in a series of actions taken against French media since the country came under military rule last year.
A soldier of the French Army patrols a rural area during the Barkhane operation in northern Burkina Faso on November 9, 2019.
Michele Cattani/AFP/Getty Images/FILE
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The publication was accused of attempting to undermine the armed forces and intentionally distorting information to create disorder in the nation, after the release of two articles within the last four days. Jeune Afrique has not yet replied to a request for comment sent via email.
A soured relationship
Tensions between Burkina Faso and its former colonizer France have worsened due to mounting discontent over the deteriorating security situation, which has been aggravated by a jihadist insurgency. These concerns have ultimately led to two military takeovers in the past year.
As a result of these tensions, diplomatic officials, including the French ambassador, have been ordered to leave the country, and there has been a strong negative reaction against foreign media.
In response to allegations of providing a platform for Islamist militants causing conflict in the Sahel region, the junta has already suspended Radio France Internationale and France24, both of which are funded by France. However, both publications have denied these accusations.
French private broadcaster TF1's television channel La Chaine Info faced a three-month suspension in June due to a report on the insurgency that was deemed to be lacking objectivity. TF1 chose not to provide any comments during this period.
Additionally, in April, two French journalists working for Le Monde and Liberation newspapers were expelled from the country.
Liberation said the suspension was unjustified as the two journalists were of "perfect integrity" and had all their paperwork in order.
