Burkina Faso journalists face mandatory military training amid press freedom concerns

More than 40 journalists from both public and private media outlets in Burkina Faso have recently completed a military training program mandated by the ruling junta. Described by authorities as a patriotic immersion exercise, this initiative is set to become an annual requirement for media professionals in the country.

The move follows last year’s controversial decision to impose a similar program on high school graduates seeking university admission. However, this latest development has sparked significant concern among press freedom advocates, particularly given the country’s ongoing conflict with jihadist groups. Journalists in Burkina Faso already face mounting pressure from authorities, as highlighted by the continued detention of Serge Oulon, who was abducted in Ouagadougou two years ago and remains imprisoned.

The week-long program was organized by the Ministry of Security and took place at the Police Academy in Pabré, located about 20 kilometers from the capital. A video released by national television showed Communication Minister and government spokesperson Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo addressing the journalists in military attire, holding a rifle. “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” he asked, to which the journalists responded in unison, standing at attention: “Affirmative!” Ouédraogo added, “A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist who does not engage is merely a passive spectator in a moment that defines the history of our nation.”

Lassina Traoré, Director General of the Police Academy, explained that the training aims to “instill in journalists the operational realities and values that guide the daily work of defense and security forces.” Despite these assurances, the initiative has drawn sharp criticism from free press advocates. “Journalists are not soldiers and should not be turned into mouthpieces for the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and bearing arms,” stated Sadibou Marong of Reporters Without Borders (RSF).