Burkina Faso Suspends International Broadcasters Over Coverage of Violence

The government of Burkina Faso has suspended the broadcasts of several international media outlets, including the BBC Africa and Voice of America, for a period of two weeks. The suspension is reportedly in response to reports published by these outlets accusing the Burkinabé army of human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and attacks on civilians. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the military has summarily executed at least 223 villagers, including at least 56 children, during its battle against jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. The BBC and Voice of America reports echoed these allegations, prompting the government's response. The suspension of these media outlets' broadcasts is likely intended to silence criticism of the government's actions and prevent further reporting on these allegations.