The West African director of Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Sadibou Marong, has informed the BBC that journalists in Burkina Faso are now being targeted for forced conscription into the army.

In an interview with the Africa Daily podcast, Mr. Marong stated, "They dared to criticize the government, and now they have been summoned to join the army."

Acknowledging previous instances of enrolling critics into the army, the military-led government has openly admitted to this practice.

According to Mr. Marong, the transitional assembly passed legislation granting authorities the power to identify and compel young individuals to serve in the military.

He revealed that he has been in contact with two journalists who have received official summonses to enlist in the army. One journalist complied and served for a month before fleeing near the border with Ivory Coast.

This development follows a recent crackdown on foreign media outlets. The BBC, Guardian, and Le Monde have faced suspension for their coverage of a report by US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW), which accused the Burkinabe army of killing 223 civilians in February.

Despite these allegations, Burkina Faso authorities have dismissed the reports.