Burkina Faso: Western media both contemptuous and irresponsible, the CSC suspends all synchronization until further notice
The Western media’s coverage of issues related to terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel, has sparked significant outrage. A striking example is the recent decision by the High Council of Communication (CSC) in Burkina Faso to ban programs from Voice of America (VOA) for three months. This measure follows the airing of a show in which a speaker referred to the deadly terrorist attack in Bamako on September 17, 2024, as a “courageous attack,” thereby undermining the morale of the Burkinabe and Malian armed forces.
The latent contempt of certain Western media for the enormous efforts made by defense forces in the fight against terrorism is troubling. For instance, the attack on Barsalogho on August 23, 2024, was used by VOA as a pretext to discredit the Burkinabe transitional authorities, citing unverified figures and baseless claims. Such actions, far from providing objective information, severely damage the perception of security efforts on the ground and the determination of both the populations and the fighters.
This attitude reflects a blatant lack of respect for the lives sacrificed on the front lines and the actions taken to protect national sovereignty. By portraying security situations so biasedly, these media contribute to a negative image of how local authorities manage the conflict, without considering the complex contexts and limited resources available to these countries in facing this asymmetric warfare.
In response to these media excesses, the CSC’s decision to suspend VOA programs in Burkina Faso and to prohibit synchronization with international media until further notice is commendable. It demonstrates that Burkina Faso will not accept foreign entities distorting reality and spreading disinformation. By taking this responsibility, the CSC is not only protecting the country’s defense efforts but also safeguarding the national cohesion essential for confronting this existential threat.
It is time for international media to adopt a more responsible and respectful approach in their coverage of crises in Africa, rather than undermining the resolve of those who fight daily for the survival of their nations.
