Harassment Campaign Against Sky News Journalist in Burkina Faso

Since April 10, 2026, supporters of Burkina Faso's President Ibrahim Traoré have engaged in a widespread smear campaign against Sky News journalist Yousra Elbagir. This backlash followed Elbagir's critical report on Traoré's policies, particularly regarding freedom of expression and the deteriorating security situation in Burkina Faso, which has been plagued by a jihadist insurgency. Traoré, who assumed power in a coup in September 2022, was interviewed by Elbagir on April 2, where she questioned the government's military strategy and its impact on civil liberties.

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The online harassment of Elbagir has included derogatory remarks and unfounded allegations, with some supporters labeling her a "mercenary of the pen" and spreading rumors about her family. Claims surfaced that her father, Ahmed Elbagir, is a British intelligence agent, and her sister is described as an "influence agent." Additionally, a pro-Traoré group known as the Battalion for Rapid Communications Interventions (BIR-C) has been implicated in circulating false information, including a phone number purported to belong to Elbagir.

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While Sky News initially removed Elbagir's report due to a production error, they later clarified that the removal was not due to external pressure but rather an issue with incorrect footage. Traoré's supporters falsely claimed that Elbagir broke down in tears during the interview due to backlash from social media users. However, the image circulated to support this claim was actually from a separate report filmed in Sudan in April 2025.

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Elbagir's report highlighted that jihadist groups, particularly Jama’at Nasr al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), exert control over a significant portion of Burkina Faso, a claim that contradicts the government's assertion of maintaining control over 74% of the territory. Héni Nsaibia, a senior analyst at Armed Conflict Location & Event Data, emphasized that the reality of territorial control is complex, with many areas under varying degrees of influence rather than outright control.

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The harassment of Elbagir reflects a broader strategy by Traoré's supporters to suppress dissenting narratives that challenge the government's portrayal of stability and security. This campaign is not isolated to Elbagir; other media outlets and organizations, including Human Rights Watch, have also faced similar attacks. The regime's supporters are increasingly adopting an anti-Western stance, viewing foreign media as adversaries to Burkina Faso's interests.

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In response to the backlash against Elbagir, Sky News reiterated its commitment to journalistic integrity and the importance of reporting on critical issues in Burkina Faso. The government has not issued a formal statement regarding the harassment campaign but has been actively promoting a narrative of progress and stability in the face of ongoing security challenges.

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• “ Nsaibia agrees with Elbagir that the security situation in Burkina Faso is only getting worse: "The regime is trying to demonstrate that it is making progress, but we see that in reality the security situation is not getting better.” — Héni Nsaibia, Senior Analyst

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• “It’s hard for them to counter the proof in our report, so they resort to attacking people.” — Allegrozzi, Human Rights Advocate

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• “The era where any foreign media outlet could strut into Ouagadougou to spit on our institutions is finished.” — Media Outlet Supporting the Alliance of Sahel States

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The campaign against Yousra Elbagir underscores the precarious state of press freedom in Burkina Faso under Ibrahim Traoré's leadership. As the government continues to face criticism over its handling of security and civil liberties, the response from Traoré's supporters indicates a concerted effort to control the narrative and silence dissenting voices.

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