Journalism is an essential pillar of democracy, informing the public, shedding light on important issues and holding political and economic leaders accountable for their actions. However, this does not mean that journalists are immune from reprisals when they publish critical articles or reveal scandals. This is unfortunately what happened in Burkina Faso, where two journalists were convicted of defamation following the publication of an article questioning the transparency of a transaction involving the mining company IAMGOLD Essakane.
The affair dates back to June 2023, when the investigative newspaper Le Reporter published an article accusing the Minister of the Economy and the directors general of taxes and customs of having caused considerable financial losses to the State during a transaction with IAMGOLD Essakane. According to the journalist, irregularities were committed in this transaction, resulting in a loss estimated at nearly 98 billion CFA francs for the State.
However, despite the evidence provided by the journalists, the plaintiffs managed to present a document proving the payment of the money in question. The journalists were therefore found guilty of defamation and complicity in defamation, and were ordered to pay a fine of one million CFA francs each, as well as damages of 500,000 CFA francs to each complainant.
This conviction raises many questions about press freedom and the protection of journalists in Burkina Faso. Indeed, conviction for defamation is often used as a means of silencing critical voices and restricting freedom of expression. In addition, the silence of the personalities cited in the case during the investigation raises doubts about the transparency of this affair.
It is essential that media and civil society continue to defend press freedom and support journalists who take risks to shed light on important issues. Journalists play a crucial role in the fight against corruption and abuse of power, and it is therefore essential to guarantee their safety and legal protection.
In this case, the journalists announced their intention to appeal the conviction. Hopefully this case will be an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of press freedom and ensure fair justice for all involved. Burkina Faso still has a way to go to ensure the protection of journalists and the promotion of transparency in public affairs.