CAJ Calls For Release Of Detained Journalists In Burkina Faso

The Congress of African Journalists, CAJ, has condemned the detention of three journalists in Burkina Faso, calling for their immediate release from forced military conscription.

In a statement in Abuja by the CAJ President, Christopher Isiguzo,
Guezouma Sanogo,
President of the Association of Burkinabe Journalists, AJB, his deputy Boukari Ouoba, and Luc Pagbelguem, a reporter for private TV station BFI, were arrested on March 24 by National Security Council intelligence officers.

The statement notes that Sanogo and Ouoba were detained after speaking out against press freedom violations during the AJB Congress, while Pagbelguem’s arrest followed his media outlet’s coverage of the event.

According to the statement, a video surfaced online showing the three journalists in military uniforms, flanked by armed men in Burkinabe army uniforms, sparking widespread concern.

CAJ President, Comrade Isiguzo urges the Burkinabe authorities to release the detained journalists, ensuring media outlets can operate freely.

Comrade Isiguzo expresses concern over the growing crackdown on journalists, which has included suspending AJB’s operations, fostering fear and self-censorship.

The CAJ also called for the release of three journalists forcibly conscripted into the army in June 2024.

“Serge Oulon editor-in-chief of L’Evénement newspaper, Adama Bayala private TV channel BF1, Kalifara Sere, private TV channel BF1.”

“Their whereabouts were confirmed by authorities in October 2024, after they went missing in June 2024.

“The fate of Alain Traore, a columnist with Omega Media, remains unknown since his abduction in July 2024 with authorities refusing to comment on his whereabouts,”
he says.

“As the repression intensifies, many journalists have fled the country, fearing arrest and forced conscription.

“Notably, Newton Ahmed Barry, a prominent journalist, was placed on a list of individuals “wanted for association with a terrorist organization” by the Burkinabe authorities on April 1.

“During the AJB Congress, additional concerns were raised regarding the disappearances of journalists Bienvenue Apiou, James Yazid Dembele, and Mamadou Ali, highlighting the ongoing threat to press freedom in Burkina Faso.

CAJ says it will continue to monitor the situation closely, calling on international bodies to exert pressure on the Burkinabe government to respect the rights of journalists and ensure their safe return.

PR Oduyemi Odumade