Burkina Faso’s L’Evenement suspends publication after reported abduction of journalist
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Loading... - Bill Bouchard
- 15 Aug 2024
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A Burkina Faso-based investigative newspaper has decided to suspend its operations following the kidnapping of its publishing director, according to an announcement made on Wednesday. The media outlet, L’Evenement, has been struggling with the absence of its director, Oulon, who was abducted by armed men in June. These men reportedly forced Oulon into a minibus at his home. Later that day, two individuals, claiming to be secret service agents, returned to his residence and confiscated his computer and phone.
The identities of the abductors remain unclear, and Burkina Faso's military government, which came to power in a 2022 coup, has faced growing criticism from human rights organizations over its handling of national security. Groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused the junta of abducting and forcibly conscripting critics.
Although L’Evenement had won a legal battle in June to resume publishing after being suspended by authorities, the newspaper has now chosen to halt its operations due to the "many challenges" it faces, especially in light of Oulon's disappearance.
This development is part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in Burkina Faso. Earlier in the year, in April, the government temporarily suspended BBC Africa and Voice of America due to their coverage of alleged abuses by the military. Burkina Faso's government has not responded to requests for comment on these recent events.
