The transitional government in Burkina Faso has decided to suspend Radio Oméga, one of the country's most popular radio stations, "until further notice" after it broadcast an interview on
Thursday that was "peppered with insults against the new Nigerien authorities."
The government "assumes full responsibility for the decision to suspend Radio Omega's broadcasts from Thursday, August 10, until further notice, in the best interests of the nation," said Communications Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo in a statement.
Radio Omega, a subsidiary of the Omega Media Group, which also owns a television channel, owned by journalist and former Foreign Minister Alpha Barry, stopped broadcasting after the
statement was released, AFP reported.
This decision follows the broadcast on Radio Omega of an interview, during the program "L'invité de la rédaction" (The Editorial Guest), with the spokesperson of a recently created movement in Niger that wants to reinstate President Mohamed Bazoum, who was overthrown in a coup on July 26.
In the interview, Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni allegedly made "insulting remarks against the new Nigerien authorities," according to Mr. Ouédraogo, who is also a spokesperson for the Burkinabe government.
According to the Burkinabe government, Ousmane Abdoul Moumouni's organization "clearly advocates violence and war against the sovereign people of Niger" and his movement's goal is to restore President Bazoum to power by "any means necessary."
The transitional authorities in Burkina Faso, who came to power in a coup in September 2022, were quick to show their solidarity with the military who seized power in Niger. In particular
, they stated that any military intervention against Niger would be considered a "declaration of war" against them.
Several media outlets have been suspended in Burkina Faso in recent months, including the French media outlets LCI, RFI, and France 24. In early April, correspondents from Libération and Le Monde were expelled.
Radio Omega suspended in Burkina Faso
