The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is concerned about the abduction of Idrissa Barry, a member of the SENS movement (Servir et non se Servir), and calls on the Burkinabe authorities to secure his immediate release.
On Tuesday, 18 March 2025, Idrissa Barry, the national secretary of the SENS movement, was reportedly abducted at the town hall in the Saaba district of Ouagadougou. His captors identified themselves as military officers.
In a press release, the SENS movement condemned the act, describing it as a grave human rights violation and a threat to voices defending democratic values and the rule of law in Burkina Faso. The movement demanded the immediate and unconditional release of its national secretary.
This incident is part of a troubling trend. In 2024 alone, at least four journalists and three media commentators were abducted in Burkina Faso, with some still missing. The list includes Atiana Serge Oulon, Bienvenu Apiou, James Dembélé, Mamadou Ali Compaoré, Kalifara Séré, Adama Bayala, and Alain Traoré, also known as Alain Alain.
In addition to the kidnappings, several journalists have fled the country, fearing for their safety under the current environment of repression.
The MFWA urges the Burkinabe authorities to guarantee the safety of all citizens engaged in defending human rights. Respect for civil liberties and the principles of the rule of law must be upheld.