Two journalists released in Burkina Faso after being conscripted to cover anti-jihadist operations

Edited By: Tandai Zola

Two Burkinabè journalists who had been forcibly mobilized in March to take part in anti-jihadist operations have been released, according to local media reports and relatives. Their conscription followed their involvement in expressing concerns regarding freedom of the press.

On March 24, Guezouma Sanogo, president of the Association of Journalists of Burkina (AJB), and his deputy, Boukari Ouoba, were detained shortly after making public statements about limitations to press freedom. Two days later, a third journalist, Luc Pagbelguem, was also taken following a report on the same issue.

A few days after their disappearance, all three men appeared in a video, reportedly deployed to “cover the reality” of the anti-jihadist campaign.

Pagbelguem’s employer, private broadcaster BF1, announced on Friday, July 18, that the journalist had returned: “Good news! Our video journalist, Luc Pagbelguem, is back with us as of Thursday night.” A relative of Boukari Ouoba also confirmed that he was safe and with his family.

However, Guezouma Sanogo remains missing. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), he is still considered to be held under enforced mobilization. The organization welcomed the release of Pagbelguem and Ouoba, while noting that “they should never have been conscripted into the military for nearly four months.” RSF further urged authorities to clarify the situation of other individuals whose families have been without news for extended periods.

Other journalists and civil society figures remain reportedly conscripted following public remarks. Among those still unaccounted for are Serge Oulon, Adama Bayala, and Alain Traoré.

The current administration, in place since September 2022, has implemented a decree of general mobilization in the context of the country’s campaign against armed groups. This framework has been criticized by press freedom advocates for enabling restrictions on journalistic activity.

Following the detention of the AJB leadership in March, authorities dissolved the association citing administrative reasons.

Recently, four additional individuals who had been detained for several months were released. Among them was Kalifara Seré, a well-known television commentator, who had questioned the accuracy of official images showing the head of state donating blood following an artillery incident near the presidential compound.

Several military officers, including former gendarmerie chief Evrard Somda, have also been arrested, facing accusations of conspiracy or attempting to undermine public institutions.