Niger Coup: Burkina Faso Military Junta Suspends Radio Station Over Interview
Burkina Faso’s junta-led government announced the immediate suspension of the station on Thursday until further notice in a statement signed by Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo. It noted that the measure was “in the higher interests of the Nation.”
One of the most popular radio stations in Burkina Faso, Radio Omega has been suspended after it broadcast an interview deemed “insulting” to Niger’s new military leaders.
Burkina Faso’s junta-led government announced the immediate suspension of the station on Thursday until further notice in a statement signed by Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo. It noted that the measure was “in the higher interests of the Nation.”
The station, part of the Omega media group was said to be owned by journalist and former foreign minister Alpha Barry. It ceased broadcasting after the statement was issued late Thursday.
According to a report done by AFP and published by Barron’s, the channel had run an interview with Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni, the spokesman for a newly-established Nigerien group campaigning to return President Mohamed Bazoum to power.
Mali and Burkina Faso sent a joint delegation to Niamey, the capital of Niger, on Monday in a show of solidarity amidst a coup crisis, the Malian army said.
“The development shows the solidarity of the two countries with the brotherly people of Niger,” the army tweeted.
The governments in Burkina Faso and Mali have declared support for the Nigerien soldiers who overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum.
The two countries also warned that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them and would lead to the withdrawal of Burkina Faso and Mali from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The regional bloc has threatened to restore order in Niger by force.
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