The Governments of the United Kingdom and the United States have issued a joint statement expressing their deep concerns regarding the situation in Burkina Faso. According to reports, Burkinabe military forces have been implicated in the massacre of civilians in late February, with a Human Rights Watch report detailing the execution of over 200 individuals, including 56 children, in the villages of Nondin and Soro in Yatenga province.

In light of these atrocities, the joint statement calls on the Transition Authorities in Burkina Faso to conduct a thorough investigation into these massacres and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The statement also extends heartfelt condolences to the families of all victims of violence in Burkina Faso, including those targeted by terrorist groups and members of the armed forces who have lost their lives.

Furthermore, the joint statement strongly condemns the suspensions of media outlets such as VOA and the BBC, as well as the blocking of Human Rights Watch's website and the restrictions placed on media reporting. The governments emphasize the importance of press freedom, especially as World Press Freedom Day approaches on May 3rd, stating that free and independent media play a crucial role in strengthening societies.

The joint statement urges Burkina Faso's Superior Council of Communication to reconsider its actions against media outlets and underscores the necessity for media to be able to operate without fear of reprisals in order to conduct investigative reporting in good faith.