Written question asked by Fabian Hamilton (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 May 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 May 2024. It was answered by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 May 2024 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Burkina Faso: Press Freedom

Question: To ask the Deputy Foreign Secretary, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the suspension of foreign media access in Burkina Faso.

Answer: The UK opposes the recent decision of the Burkinabe government to suspend international media outlets, including the BBC and the Guardian, following their coverage of a Human Rights Watch report which alleged the authorities had been involved in attacks on civilians in Burkina Faso. On 29 April, the UK and USA issued a joint statement condemning the alleged violence against civilians and the media suspensions. We are clear that societies are strengthened, not threatened, by well-informed public and strong, independent media. We will continue to raise our concerns on media freedom and democratic space with authorities in Burkina Faso.

Secondary information