Burkina Faso’s government, led by the junta, has taken the step of suspending Radio Omega, a highly popular radio station in the country.
This suspension comes as a result of the station airing an interview that has been deemed offensive towards the new military leadership in Niger.
The suspension of Radio Omega, owned by journalist and former foreign minister Alpha Barry as part of the Omega media group, was promptly enacted and remains in effect “until further notice,” according to a statement from Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo.
The reason for this measure, as stated by Ouedraogo, is based on the notion of safeguarding the greater interests of the nation.
The interview in question featured Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni, the spokesperson for a recently-formed Nigerien group advocating for the reinstatement of President Mohamed Bazoum, who was ousted from power on July 26 by the Presidential Guard.
Minister Ouedraogo cited that Moumouni had made derogatory remarks regarding the newly established authorities in Niger.
This, he noted, amounted to a call for violence and conflict against the sovereign people of Niger.
The campaign by Moumouni’s group is resolute in its pursuit to restore Bazoum to power, utilizing any and all means available.
It’s worth mentioning that Burkina Faso faced two military coups in the previous year, each influenced in part by discontent stemming from the inability to quell a relentless jihadist insurgency.
The country quickly showed solidarity with Niger’s new leadership, issuing a joint warning alongside Mali that any potential military intervention aimed at reinstating Bazoum would be treated as a “declaration of war” against their respective nations.
Furthermore, Burkina Faso has exhibited a recent trend of taking actions against various media outlets, including the suspension of French TV channels LCI and France24, along with the expulsion of correspondents from French newspapers Liberation and Le Monde.
These measures seem to underline the government’s commitment to maintaining stability and control within the country.
