Civil courts in Burkina Faso don’t hear many defamation cases. Reports indicate that the country has the least amount of slander and libel lawsuits than any other African country.
Freedom of speech is protected Burkina Faso’s constitution and is usually respected by the government. However, under the 1993 Information Code, media outlets can be banned if they’re accused of distributing false information or endangering national security.
Libel laws in Burkina Faso are widely considered by western standards to be unfavorable to the press, since laws put the burden of proof on the defendant. Moreover, no law exists to guarantee equal access to information. The Supreme Council of Communication, which operates within the presidential office with limited independence, acts as the regulatory body for the media. PREVIOUSBACK TO INT’L DEFAMATION DATABASE HOMENEXT