IPERMIC Students Rally for Resilience Amid Security CrisisIran Denounces Terrorist Attacks in Burkina Faso

OUAGADOUGOU – The Pan-African Institute for Studies and Research on Media, Information, and Communication (IPERMIC) at Joseph KI-ZERBO University initiated a three-day event on February 29, 2024, focusing on the theme “Security context and humanitarian management: role and responsibilities of information and communication journalism actors in resilience”. This gathering, aimed at communication and journalism students, drew approximately a hundred attendees from various institutes, marking a significant mobilization against the backdrop of Burkina Faso’s security challenges.

According to Burkina Information Agency, president of the IPERMIC student club, the event serves as a platform to underscore the importance of solidarity and social cohesion. These values, he noted, are crucial for fostering socio-professional integration and ensuring a harmonious coexistence among students and the broader community. “Given the socio-political and security context that you already know, these values are more necessary than ever within our populations,” Drabo emphasized.

The inauguration witnessed the participation of IPERMIC’s faculty, its interim director Dr. Lassina Kaboré, members of the young international chamber, students, and alumni. Perfect Silga, representing the honorary sponsor of the 72-hour event, Adama Kanazoé, a notable IPERMIC alumnus, praised the students’ initiative and thematic selection. Silga highlighted that the chosen theme reflects the communication and journalism community’s awareness of the enduring crisis affecting the nation.

The 72-hour event also features cultural activities, aiming to reinforce cultural identity and the spirit of unity and resilience in adversity. Silga encouraged students to fully engage in the edition’s activities, emphasizing entertainment’s role in this context.

Yandi Lompo, speaking on behalf of Christelle Kalhoule, director of the NGO Children Believe, underscored the critical role of communication professionals in amplifying marginalized voices, raising awareness, and mobilizing resources for vulnerable populations. “Your pen, your camera, and your voice are powerful weapons in the service of justice and peace,” Lompo stated.

Jean Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel OUEDRAOGO, representing the Minister in charge of Communication and the patron of the ceremony, commended the thematic choice, recognizing it as indicative of the desirable quality of training and the patriotic and civic spirit driving the students. He urged students to be agents of change, combating misinformation and manipulation.

The event’s agenda includes panels, debate competitions, donation drives for internally displaced people, cultural showcases like the screening of the film Sira, and networking opportunities. These activities provide a unique learning, sharing, and action-oriented experience for students committed to forging a more united and resilient world.

Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso – The Iranian embassy in Ouagadougou issued a condemnation of the terrorist attacks that occurred on February 25 against both a mosque and a church in Burkina Faso, resulting in numerous casualties.

According to Burkina Information Agency, The statement, released on the embassy’s Facebook page, denounced the violence that took the lives of and injured many innocent people. Expressing condolences to the government and people of Burkina Faso, especially to the families of the victims, the embassy underscored Iran’s position as a strategic ally of Burkina Faso in the fight against terrorism and imperialism.