Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso — During the 60th anniversary of the Burkina Information Agency (AIB), Alban Kini, the former director of AIB and current deputy director general of media and communication, emphasized the importance of vigilance in information handling and advocated for the agency to establish itself as a key verifier of information.

According to Burkina Information Agency, who served as the AIB director from 2018 to 2023, the agency has played a pivotal role in the journalistic landscape of Burkina Faso and remains integral to the careers of many journalists and civil servants in the country. He recounted the AIB’s historical challenges and transitions, including its long-standing affiliation with Les Editions Sidwaya, which he suggested has not always been beneficial. Kini pointed out that the autonomy of the AIB has been a recurring subject with the supervisory ministry recognizing the need for independence.

Kini’s message highlighted the importance of adapting to security challenges and technological advancements in journalism. He urged AIB journalists and correspondents to exercise caution against misinformation and fake news prevalent on social networks, pushing for the AIB to become a reliable source for verifying information. Additionally, he suggested that AIB staff should diversify their output by incorporating audiovisual elements into their work, leveraging the agency’s available resources like their studio.

The former director also expressed a hope for peace in Burkina Faso, which would enable journalists and other professionals to work more effectively and safely.