Burkina Faso has halted broadcasting from both the BBC and Voice of America radio stations due to their coverage of a Human Rights Watch report detailing a mass killing of civilians by the country’s armed forces.
Tonssira Myrian Corine Sanou, Burkina Faso’s communication spokesperson, announced late Thursday that the suspension of both radio stations would last for two weeks. Sanou also cautioned other media outlets against reporting on the matter.
The Human Rights Watch report, released on Thursday, alleges that the army was responsible for the deaths of 223 civilians, including 56 children, in villages suspected of collaborating with militant groups. The report received extensive coverage from international media, including the Associated Press.
In response to the suspension, Voice of America stated in a news article that it stands by its reporting on Burkina Faso and intends to continue providing comprehensive and impartial coverage of events in the country.
The BBC did not provide any comment in response to a request for comment.
