Two Burkinabe journalists, forcibly conscripted in March after criticising the military regime, were released Thursday evening, sources confirmed Friday.
Luc Pagbelguem and Boukari Ouoba were among several reporters swept up in a crackdown on dissent under the junta of Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Their arrests came after articles condemning attacks on press freedom, following the regime’s 2022 seizure of power through a coup.
Pagbelguem’s employer, private broadcaster BF1, announced his return, celebrating the journalist’s safe arrival late Thursday night. Ouoba’s family also confirmed he was home and in good health, marking an end to nearly four months of uncertainty.
On March 24, Ouoba and the president of the Burkina Association of Journalists (AJB), Guezouma Sanogo, were detained after criticising the junta’s censorship. Pagbelguem was taken two days later after reporting on their remarks, highlighting the growing risks of speaking out.
A video released later showed the trio in combat zones, a move seen as propaganda to justify their conscription. The AJB, since disbanded by the regime, has not responded to news of their release.
Their case is part of a broader pattern where critics are silenced through forced military service or arrest. Last week, four other citizens were freed after months in detention for publicly challenging the regime.
Among them was columnist Kalifara Sere, who had questioned official footage following an attack near the presidential palace. Military officers, including former gendarmerie chief Evrard Somda, remain detained over alleged coup plots.
Press watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned the regime’s repression, calling the journalists’ conscription “unacceptable.” RSF said it was “relieved” by their release but stressed Sanogo’s fate remains unknown, underscoring ongoing threats to press freedom.