The Congress of African Journalists has called for the immediate release of three journalists detained in Burkina Faso and forcibly conscripted into the armed forces.

President of CAJ, Christopher Isiguzo, made the call in a statement in Abuja.

The journalists are Guezouma Sanogo, president of the Association of Burkinabe Journalists; his deputy, Boukari Ouoba; and Luc Pagbelguem, a reporter at a private TV station, BFI.

According to reports, the journalists were allegedly arrested by intelligence officers of the National Security Council on March 24.

While Messrs Sanogo and Ouoba were detained after speaking out against increasing violations of press freedom during the AJB Congress, Mr Pagbelguem was arrested for covering the congress.

A video surfaced online last week showing the three journalists in military uniforms in an undisclosed location, flanked by armed men in Burkinabe army uniforms.

Mr Isiguzo called on the Burkinabe authorities to immediately release the detained journalists and ensure journalists and media outlets operate freely.

He expressed deep concern over the growing crackdown on journalists and media outlets in Burkina Faso, warning that it would foster fear and self-censorship among journalists in the country.

According to him, this will undermine the fundamental right to freedom of expression and access to information.

Mr Isiguzo also called for the release of three other journalists forcibly conscripted into the army in 2024.

These are Serge Oulon, editor-in-chief of L’Evénement newspaper; Adama Bayala; and Kalifara Sere from BF1, a private TV channel.

“These individuals went missing in June 2024, with the authorities confirming their conscription in October of that year.

“The fate of Alain Traore, a columnist with Omega Media, remains unknown, as he was seized by masked gunmen in July 2024, with the authorities refusing to comment on his whereabouts. As the repression intensifies, many journalists have fled the country, fearing arrest and forced conscription,’’ he said.

Mr Isiguzo said further that CAJ would continue to monitor the situation in the country closely.

He called on international bodies to advise the Burkinabe government to respect the rights of journalists and ensure their safe return. 

(NAN)