RSF accuses pro-junta "digital militia" of targeting journalists in Burkina Faso
via SeneNews2 min read
Reporters Without Borders RSF has accused the Burkinabe junta of using a "digital militia" to conduct propaganda and intimidation campaigns on social media, primarily targeting journalists. According to an investigation published by RSF, this group, known as the Communication Rapid Intervention Battalions BIR-C, has been active since the September 2022 coup that brought Captain Ibrahim Traoré to power. RSF describes the BIR-C as a diverse militia comprising activists, anonymous accounts, individuals close to the government, and even an acting minister, General Célestin Simporé, who holds the defense portfolio. RSF identified Simporé's name through an analysis of WhatsApp group conversations attributed to the digital militia. The organization states that the BIR-C operates with impunity, attacking dissenting voices and conducting online raids against critics of the military dictatorship, while also spreading pro-regime narratives based on misinformation. Arnaud Froger, head of RSF's investigation unit, noted that the digital militia employs online harassment, manipulated images, insults, threats, slander, and disinformation, with journalists being the primary victims. He added that the group is organized and directly involves authorities and their supporters, rather than being a spontaneous citizen movement. Since the military regime came to power, it has implemented repressive measures against freedoms, including the suspension of media outlets, arrests, disappearances, and t
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Must ReadDangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals announced it has secured $2.5 billion from private investors to fund its expansion projects, including extending refining operations into East Africa. This investment allows private investors to acquire a stake in the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, which began operations two years ago and is currently the largest on the continent. Previously, only the Nigerian government-controlled oil company NNPCL held a stake, approximately 7.2%. Dangote stated this is considered the largest private investment made public in Africa. This private placement is seen as a preliminary step before the refinery's public listing, expected to allow the general public to invest later this year. Aliko Dangote, the company's founder, stated the funds will supplement internal cash flows and external financing as the company pursues its expansion program. The group plans to more than double its production capacity to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2028, which would make it the largest refinery globally, surpassing India's Jamnagar refinery. Dangote also intends to build a 700,000 barrels per day oil refinery in Lamu, on the Kenyan coast in East Africa. Africa currently imports over 70% of its refined fuels. Dangote aims to reduce Africa's reliance on imported refined products and enhance the continent's energy security.
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