A disinformation campaign targeting veteran Burkina Faso journalist Cheriff Sy has sparked widespread alarm within the African journalism community. The campaign falsely accuses Sy and another individual of orchestrating an alleged coup attempt on December 22 in Burkina Faso, posing a significant threat to his safety and reputation.
Editors and journalists across Africa have vehemently expressed their apprehensions, unanimously attesting to Sy’s unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and his impeccable reputation. Many have rallied to defend Sy, asserting their absolute conviction that he would never be involved in such actions.
The gravity of the threat against Sy is heightened by the disinformation campaign’s call for his virtual elimination, prompting urgent calls for protective measures to safeguard his well-being.
In a unified stance reminiscent of their solidarity in protecting Zied el-Heni, the Tunisian journalist persecuted and arrested by the regime there, African editors and journalists have emphasized their duty to shield Sy from unwarranted attacks and threats to his safety.
Sy, an esteemed figure in Burkina Faso’s journalistic landscape, has been a vocal advocate for press freedom, democracy, and social justice throughout his career. His dedication to reporting truthfully and fearlessly has earned him widespread respect and admiration within and beyond Burkina Faso’s borders.
This disinformation campaign not only poses a direct threat to Sy’s safety but also undermines the crucial role of journalists in upholding democracy and holding power accountable across the African continent.
African editors and journalists are unwavering in their commitment to protecting Sy, denouncing the malicious attempts to tarnish his reputation and endanger his life. The rallying cry for solidarity echoes the imperative need to defend press freedom and ensure the safety and dignity of journalists who bravely pursue truth and justice in the face of adversity.
Jovial Rantao, the Chairperson of The African Editors Forum said the organisation was concerned because the threats against Sy were serious. “We are deeply worried about Sy and his family. These threats are made by people who are against the tota freedom of the people of Burkina Faso, media freedom and freedom of expression. We are deeply concerned that the disinformation campaign comes in the middle of repressive actions against the media by the military regime in Burkina Faso. TAEF calls for a return to democracy and for the freedom and independence of the media to be reinstated and respected,” Rantao said.
As the situation unfolds, the collective resolve to shield Sy and uphold the fundamental principles of journalism remains steadfast, underscoring the unity and solidarity of the African journalistic community in safeguarding its members against unwarranted attacks and intimidation.
Mathatha Tsedu, a veteran South African journalist and editor who has been a friend of Sy for over three decades, called for united action to protect Sy and other journalists facing persecution across the African continent.
“All of us who know Cheriff know he would never be involved in anything like that. But the threat is serious as the post calls for his virtual elimination. We have a duty to protect each other the same way we are doing with Zied and the many others on whose behalf we screamed their innocence loudest when the forces of oppression either wanted or in Zied’s case, make him a regular prison visitor,” Tsedu said.
