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Journalist Fellows' Papers

The Murder of Norbert Zongo: A history of investigative journalism in Burkina Faso’

Reuters Institute Fellow's Paper

This study focuses on the challenging conditions in which investigative journalists work in Burkina Faso. Few journalists are willing to look for truth and evidence to shed light onto hidden events and issues in order to bring justice.

Those who dare to show such commitment are subject to many threats, harassment and even death. The brutal murder of Norbert Zongo on 13 December 1998 is one example. Before his death, he tracked down the political regime and its elites; he denounced certain political practices and revealed the contradictions to the public stage. Globally, he fought against illegitimate decisions, mismanagement, corruption in the government and business sectors, and social unrest.

As with all Fellows’ research papers, any opinions expressed are those of the author and not of the Institute.

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