Burkina Faso’s Interim Leader Meets Russian Dictator Amidst Rising Tensions Over Freedom of the Press: A Look at the Crisis in Africa

In July 2023, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the interim leader of Burkina Faso, met with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. This meeting took place amid rising tensions in the African country, particularly regarding freedom of the press.

The government of Burkina Faso recently suspended the radio stations of the British BBC and Voice of America, both of which had reported on a report by the NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW) detailing mass executions carried out by the country’s army. The report stated that 223 civilians, including 56 children, 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 the alleged human rights abuses. As a result, many journalists and activists have raised concerns about press freedom in Burkina Faso.

Burkina Faso has been facing a security crisis since 2015, with jihadist groups and power struggles leading 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 also expelled three French diplomats, accusing them of engaging in “subversive activities”.