Burkina Faso: French Outlet TV5 Monde’s Reporter Noaro-Kabré Expelled From Public Meeting On Allegations Of “Misinformation”
Location: Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou
Date: May 16, 2022
TV5 Monde reporter Fanny Noaro-Kabré was expelled from a public meeting hosted by Kémi Séba, anti-colonialist Pan-African activist on allegations of “spreading misinformation” about his campaign. The Coalition For Women In Journalism (CFWIJ) extends solidarity to Fanny and urges involved parties to uphold freedom of the press and respect the rights of journalists.
On May 14, Fanny was expelled from a public meeting organized in Ouagadougou, capital of Burkina, by a civil society organization, the Coalition des Patriotes Africans (COPA-BF), and its partner Kémi Séba, Pan-African activist, known for his anti-colonialism critics. Séba accused Western media for “demonizing” and “defaming” his organization and barred the journalist from attending or covering the meeting.
According to news reports, Fanny, a journalist with French media outlet TV5Monde was expelled from the public meeting after Séba’s call, though she had been invited as a member of the press.
“The latter [organizers] not only gave her an agreement but also allowed her access to the room where she remained for almost two hours before being expelled in this way,” read a condemnation letter issued by local press freedom organizations in support of Fanny. “Media organizations are extremely disappointed with this stance adopted by NGOs when we know the contribution of Burkinabè organizations to build the rule of law in Burkina Faso and Africa.”
The letter voiced concerns over discrimination and extended support to Fanny, who is a French Burkinabe journalist. It maintained that the decision to expel the TV5 Monde reporter was not motivated by any principle or racial and national concerns but instead was indicative of a lack of respect for the press.“This attitude is not only a lack of respect and courtesy towards the people and authorities of Burkina Faso but also towards all journalists.”
The Coalition For Women In Journalism extends support to Fanny Noaro-Kabré and objects to her expulsion from the public meeting. Journalists must be allowed to report on matters of public concern. Burkina Faso dropped four places on the World Press Freedom Index 2022 as compared to the previous year. The CFWIJ stresses that plurality of voices in media must be allowed specially if diverse viewpoints are to be presented. The use of language such as “fake” or allegations of “spreading misinformation” on a credible journalist is a matter of grave concern.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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