Burkina Faso, a West African country, has been facing a growing terrorist threat for several years. Faced with this situation, the authorities have put in place measures to fight against armed groups, but these actions have given rise to much controversy.
Indeed, certain trade union and human rights organizations denounce the exploitation of the security issue to silence critical voices of those in power. According to them, representatives of these organizations appear on a list of people requisitioned to fight alongside the army.
This situation results from a government decree which allows the requisition of civilians as part of the fight against terrorism. Protest organizations claim that this measure aims to eliminate any opposition to the management of the country’s affairs in the name of defending the homeland.
Among the personalities concerned, we include the journalist Issaka Lingani, publishing director of the newspaper L’Opinion, who announced in a television program his departure to participate in the reconquest of national territory. This announcement sparked contrasting reactions, with some hailing its patriotic commitment, while others denouncing a maneuver by those in power to control the media and silence critics.
Other journalists and members of trade union organizations also indicated that they were on this list of mobilized people. The Norbert Zongo National Press Center even deplored the fact that for the first time journalists were being requisitioned, accusing the authorities of wanting to control the national press.
Beyond journalists, protest organizations also denounce the targeting of activists and members of civil society engaged in the defense of human rights. Some of them had planned to organize a meeting to challenge the authorities on measures deemed “liberticidal”, but this was banned by the town hall.
This situation raises many questions about the limits of the fight against terrorism and the balance between national security and fundamental rights. The Burkinabè authorities must be vigilant not to exceed these limits and guarantee respect for individual and collective freedoms, even in a context of terrorist threat.
It is essential that the fight against terrorism does not serve as a pretext to muzzle civil society and freedom of expression. International cooperation and support from regional partners are also essential to help Burkina Faso face this threat and build a more stable and inclusive society.