Junta-led government of Burkina Faso has imposed a suspension on one of the country’s most popular radio stations due to its broadcast of an interview that was deemed “insulting” towards the new military leadership in Niger.
On Thursday, Radio Omega, a prominent radio station in Burkina Faso, was immediately suspended “until further notice,” as stated by Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo.
According to Ouedraogo, this measure has been taken in the best interests of the nation.
The radio station, which operates under the Omega media group owned by journalist and former foreign minister Alpha Barry, ceased its broadcasting following the release of the suspension statement on Thursday evening.
The radio had conducted an interview with Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni, the spokesperson of a newly formed Nigerien group advocating for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was removed from power by members of the Presidential Guard on July 26.
Ouedraogo remarked that Moumouni had made comments in the interview that were derogatory towards the new authorities in Niger.
He accused Moumouni’s organization of promoting violence and war against the people of Niger, asserting their intent to restore Bazoum “by any means necessary.”
In the aftermath of Burkina Faso undergoing two military coups last year, partly triggered by dissatisfaction with the response to a prevailing jihadist insurgency — a situation mirrored in Mali and Niger — the country swiftly expressed solidarity with Niger’s new leadership. Burkina Faso also aligned with Mali in cautioning that any military intervention aimed at reinstating Bazoum would be seen as a “declaration of war” against them.
In recent months, the Burkinabe authorities have suspended several French media outlets, including LCI, France24, and Radio France Internationale, and have expelled correspondents from French newspapers Liberation and Le Monde.
(AFP)
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