Burkina Faso/AES: Once Again, a major French media outlet tries to tarnish the image of the country
On June 9, 2026, “Libération” published a shock‑style report titled “We drink toilet water,” describing alleged secret detention cells within Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s “repressive machine.” Three “survivors” recount horror. An exact location for a secret prison is even claimed. Problem: nothing in this media construction withstands critical scrutiny.
African public opinion must remain vigilant against such operations. The media offensive against Sahel States Alliance (AES) countries follows a well‑worn pattern: accuse without evidence, generalise unverifiable testimonies, demonise leaders who dare assert their sovereignty.
In recent months, we have witnessed the most grotesque disinformation. Each time, the same methods: robotic voices, out‑of‑context images, narratives with no reliable sources.
The article of “Libération” fits this same logic of information warfare. While the AES builds its own media, Western outlets are losing their grip and trying every means to destabilise.
Banned from broadcasting in AES space for proven bias, they seek relevance through provocation and sensationalism.
Need it be recalled that Captain Traoré, seen freely at the last Council of Ministers, continues to govern and implement the projects of the Popular Progressive Revolution?
The disappearances mentioned by Libération are backed by no independent report. The “three survivors” remain anonymous. The “exact location” is corroborated by no verifiable image.
At a time when the AES is constructing its own media narrative only guarantee of sovereign, decolonised information; the duty of vigilance is imperative.
Behind the pathos of “toilet water” lies a desperate attempt to shape public opinion that we must expose. Lies have travelled; truth is putting on its boots to catch up. Let us not be manipulated.
Hadja KOUROUMA
