Burkina Faso’s Human Rights Struggle: Examining the Impact of Political Instability, Colonial Influences and Press Freedom Suppression

Burkina Faso is facing a security crisis that has lasted since 2015. Jihadist groups and power struggles have led to the deaths of over 20,000 people and the displacement of more than 2 million Burkinabés. The country has experienced political instability, including two coups d’état in 2022, further exacerbating the situation.

In response to the security crisis, Burkina Faso has distanced itself from its former colonial power, France, and sought military assistance from Russia. This shift in alliances has raised concerns about human rights abuses and potential violations of press freedom in the country. Recently, the government expelled three French diplomats, accusing them of engaging in “subversive activities”.

The interim leader of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, was seen greeting Russian dictator Vladimir Putin at a meeting in Saint Petersburg in July 2023. This interaction took place amid growing tensions in the African country, particularly regarding freedom of the press.

In recent months, the government of Burkina Faso suspended two radio stations for publishing information related to a report by NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) detailing mass executions carried out by the country’s army. The report stated that 223 civilians were killed by the army in villages accused of collaborating with militants. This move was seen as an attempt to suppress information and control the narrative surrounding human rights abuses in Burkina Faso.