Bobo-dioulasso: The Directorate General of Communication and Media (DGCM) is organizing, from June 3 to 6, 2026, a training and appropriation session of communication tools for media professionals and communicators from the Greater West, with a view to strengthening the fight against disinformation and fake news in Burkina Faso. The opening ceremony was held at the National Institute for the Training of Education Personnel (INFPE), presided over by Bakary Kon©, representing the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of media and communication actors to better address the proliferation of false information, especially given the rapid circulation of content on social networks, online media, and traditional media. Bakary Kon©, the minister's representative, stated that the Communication department intends to support media professionals by providing the necessary tools to process and disseminate reliable and verified information.
Kon© emphasized the importance of equipping journalists and communicators with the skills required to verify facts and cross-check sources in an environment where information circulates rapidly. This training is part of a broader effort to support and professionalize media actors. He noted that some errors in information processing stem from a lack of understanding of verification mechanisms, highlighting the need for continuous skill enhancement to ensure the dissemination of credible information.
The minister's representative also pointed out that Burkina Faso's major challenges, particularly in security and humanitarian matters, necessitate professional communication that adheres to ethical principles. Verified and responsibly disseminated information plays a critical role in preserving social cohesion and contributing to nation-building.
The training is divided into three main modules: information management and decoding disinformation in the context of Burkina Faso's fight against terrorism, the use of digital tools for verification and responsible information production, and fact-checking techniques for the journalistic treatment of false information.
Participants lauded the DGCM's initiative, recognizing it as an appropriate response to current media sector challenges. Apollinaire Kam, an AIB correspondent in Orodara, expressed appreciation for the training, noting its importance in enhancing journalists' information verification skills. Claudine Sanou of Radio Alliance Chr©tienne in Bobo-Dioulasso also acknowledged the initiative's significance in strengthening skills and improving information processing quality.
Through this session, the DGCM aims to promote a culture of fact-checking and bolster the media's resilience against disinformation and information manipulation.