The standoff between the transitional government and civil society actors in Burkina Faso continues to rage. In this context, Ahmed Newton Barry, journalist and former president of the Burkinabè Electoral Commission, finds himself in the crosshairs of power because of his positions and criticisms against the regime in place. He is one of many personalities, including journalists, unions and representatives of civil society organizations, who are summoned by the authorities.
This standoff, which began with attacks against marginalized people, intensified with the attack on targets considered more important, namely union leaders, leaders of civil society organizations and journalists critical of the system of government. The authorities thus seek to muzzle any form of protest and opposition.
Among the symbolic entities targeted by the government, we find the Citizen Balai, which played a key role in the fall of former president Blaise Compaoré in 2014. This desire to stifle the Citizen Balai testifies to a worrying situation for the country.
This repression of freedom of expression is paradoxical in a country where the right to speak was taken for granted, particularly after the sacrifice of journalist Norbert Zongo in 1998. The fact that the current president, Ibrahim Traoré, who participated in the collective struggle, attacks on this fundamental right is particularly worrying.
Since the famous meeting of October 31, which was canceled but gave rise to numerous military requisitions, many dissident voices have found themselves targeted. Ahmed Newton Barry says he has not yet received a summons, but he expects to receive one in the near future.
The situation in Burkina Faso is alarming, as it shows an increase in the repression of freedom and freedom of expression. The country finds itself at a turning point, where democracy is being called into question and civil society actors must fight to preserve their fundamental rights.
It is crucial to closely monitor developments in Burkina Faso and support human rights and freedom of expression defenders in their fight for a free and democratic society.