Burkina Faso : Role of the media in the fight against terrorism

Beyond their traditional role of informing, educating, and entertaining, the media plays a crucial role in the fight against terrorism. Winning a war requires winning the communication war first.

This is currently the case in Burkina Faso, with the war against terrorism coinciding with a communicational war waged by Western media, indulging in disinformation every day, with the sole purpose of discrediting Burkinabé authorities in the eyes of the population. Unfortunately, there are also local media outlets that engage in this dangerous game.

In this context, the governor of the Hauts-Bassins region, Mariama Konaté/Gnanou, met with press leaders or their representatives from the region on Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The meeting aims to collectively consider how to guide information to avoid giving credibility to terrorists and their allies.

This reflection initiated on the role of the media should set an example for other regions. Each component of society must define its role and contribute to the fight against this scourge that threatens the very existence of the state and the legitimate aspiration of the people to live in peace, harmony, and security.

One consequence of this scourge is an exacerbation of social tensions and an amplification of the actions of political movements that take advantage of the situation to divide citizens and gain greater support.

These situations call on the media to avoid perpetuating divisions and hatred among different components of society.