Burkina Faso: The government of Burkina Faso supports press freedom worldwide
The government of Burkina Faso is showing an unequivocal commitment to freedom of the press and expression. This determination was highlighted at the closing ceremony of the 10ᵉ edition of the International Festival of Freedom of Expression and the Press (FILEP), presided over by the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO, on Friday 20 October 2023 in Ouagadougou.
FILEP, which focused on the theme of «Media, Conflict and Social Cohesion in Africa», attracted delegates from 33 countries around the world, including eminent journalists, teacher-researchers, human rights activists and political scientists.
Discussions focused on current issues, including the role of the media in security, political and institutional crises, peace-building in a context of conflict, media regulation and self-regulation in times of crisis, investigative journalism in tense security situations, violent extremism and organised crime, among others.
Minister Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO welcomed the success of this international event and stressed the importance of the media in communicating and disseminating information, particularly in countries facing challenges linked to terrorism.
He stressed the great responsibility of the media, whose actions influence the whole community.
The international symposium organised as part of FILEP provided an opportunity to discuss and outline ways of strengthening the role of the media in promoting peace and social cohesion.
The Minister called for the continuation of these platforms for exchange, recognising their potential to contribute to the return of peace in the world.
This commitment to freedom of expression and of the press contributes not only to strengthening the media, but also to finding solutions to current global challenges.
Olivier TOE
