Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 9
Political Influences: 17
Economic Pressures: 13
Total Score: 39
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 47
Religious Groups: Indigenous beliefs (40 percent), Muslim (50 percent), Christian (10 percent)
Ethnic Groups: Mossi, Gurunsi, Senufo, Lobi, Bobo, Mande, Fulani
Capital: Ouagadougou
Freedom of speech is protected by the constitution and generally respected in practice. However, under the 1993 information code, media outlets accused of endangering national security or distributing false news can be summarily banned. The Supreme Council on Information, a state-run media supervisory body, regulates the broadcast media. Numerous independent publications, radio stations, and a private television station function with little governmental interference and are often highly critical of the government. Nevertheless, the administration remains sensitive to scrutiny and some journalists practice self-censorship. Reporters are occasionally subject to harassment and detention at the hands of police. Despite sustained public demand for an investigation into the 1998 murder of prominent journalist Norbert Zongo, his killers have not yet been charged and prosecuted.
Disclaimer: © Freedom House, Inc. · All Rights Reserved
This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States.