Since coming to power in a coup d'etat in September 2022, Burkina Faso's military leaders have cracked down on press freedom and political dissent in the West African country grappling with a jihadist insurgency.

RSF said the missing journalists "were seen as critical voices by the authorities", which "ultimately led to their abductions".

"Since 19 June, two journalists and two columnists have disappeared, at least three of them abducted by armed individuals," RSF said.

"The kidnappers of at least two of these journalists claimed to be members of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR)," it added.

"It is now clear that the government bears a degree of responsibility for their disappearances -- particularly for the deafening silence around the kidnappings, and for showing public hostility towards journalists."

The list of missing journalists includes Kalifara Sere, a commentator for television station BF1, who has not been heard of since June 19 after being questioned by the Supreme Council for Communication (CSC).

Sere had "never minced his words" about Burkina Faso's military rulers, RSF said, and was taken in for questioning after accusing the government of having "fabricated information that is false".

Adama Bayala, a journalist who also worked for BF1, went missing on June 28 while on his way to meet a friend in the capital Ouagadougou.

RSF called Bayala "one of the few voices that openly criticises the current government".

Atiana Serge Oulon, editor of the investigative magazine L'Evenement, was abducted from his home on June 24.

So was Omega Media's editor-in-chief Alain Traore, better known as "Alain Alain", who was seized on July 13 by "two armed men wearing balaclavas and mufflers, accompanied by at least three other people".

Oulon had conducted an investigation into suspected embezzlement by a high-ranking officer, while Traore had written a satirical column "criticising the shortcomings of those in power", RSF said.

Oulon was now likely forcibly conscripted into the army, while the relatives of the other three have had no news of them since they disappeared, it added.

It urged junta chief Captain Ibrahim Traore "not to sink further into this spiral of repression, which is undermining his people's right to information".

Under Traore, the junta has suspended a number of media outlets, especially foreign media outlets and those from former colonial ruler France.

It accuses these of hampering the junta's efforts to regain control of the country in the face of jihadist violence.

In May, RSF warned that journalists in Burkina Faso and its military-run Sahel neighbours Mali and Niger were at risk from violence and threats.

In its annual press freedom index, Burkina Faso fell 28 places to 86th out 180 countries.