Burkinabé journalists Guezouma Sanogo, Boukari Ouoba, and Luc Pagbelguem have resurfaced online after being detained for over ten days in an undisclosed location. Appearing in military uniforms with shaved heads, the three journalists were seen in a widely-circulated video posted on April 2, shared by pro-junta social media accounts. The video appears to have been recorded in a military zone. In the footage, Ouoba speaks cautiously about the “opportunity” to report “the reality on the ground,” while Sanogo remains silent. Family members, friends, and colleagues confirmed the journalists’ identities to Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
This incident is described by RSF as a staged performance, a form of state intimidation, and a clear violation of press freedom. The video, made under visible duress, reflects a disturbing attempt to coerce journalists into spreading state propaganda. RSF strongly condemns the junta’s retaliatory actions, which now bring the total number of journalists forcibly conscripted to six in less than a year.
On March 24, individuals identifying themselves as intelligence officers arrested Sanogo and Ouoba in Ouagadougou, the capital. On the same day, Luc Pagbelguem, working with private TV station BF1, was also arrested by agents of the National Security Council (CNS). All three had recently shared information about the AJB Congress, held three days earlier, where the Burkina Faso Journalists Association (AJB) denounced escalating attacks on press freedom under the junta. During that congress, Sanogo called for the release of four previously abducted journalists.
This is part of a wider crackdown on media professionals critical of the current regime. Previous cases include the official conscription of Serge Oulon, editor of L’Événement, and columnists Adama Bayala and Kalifara Séré of BF1 on October 24, 2024. Authorities remain silent on the fate of Alain Traoré (aka Alain Alain) of Omega Media, and others such as Bienvenu Apiou, James Yazid Dembélé, and Mamadou Ali Compaoré, all mentioned during the AJB Congress.
In a further move to suppress dissent, independent journalist Abdoulaye Barry (aka Newton Ahmed Barry) was placed on a wanted list by Burkinabè security forces on April 1, accused of association with a terrorist organization.
