Ouagadougou – The Minister in charge of Communication, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, extolled Burkina Faso Radio Broadcasting (RTB) as an instrumental force in the fight against terrorism, likening its impact to that of artillery against terrorist enclaves.
According to Burkina Information Agency, speaking in Ouagadougou at the inauguration of the 60th-anniversary celebrations for Burkina television, RTB should assume a pivotal role in the offensive to reclaim the country’s territorial integrity. He asserted that RTB’s operations should be aligned with the military endeavors of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS) and the Volunteers for the Defense of the Fatherland (VDP), recognizing the communication war as a vital front in the broader battle against terrorism.
The minister emphasized that the 60th anniversary should not merely be a celebratory event but a moment of introspection to redefine RTB’s missions, particularly as the nation faces a crucial juncture. He outlined that the national broadcaster’s activities must support the Transition’s goals, which include constructing a new, sovereign Burkina Faso.
Ouédraogo reiterated the government’s commitment to enhance RTB’s infrastructure and initiate a new channel dedicated to national languages, reflecting the broadcaster’s role in fostering unity and resilience among the people of Burkina Faso.
In solidarity with the minister’s remarks, the Director-General of RTB, Galip Atéridar Somé, commended the RTB staff for their unwavering commitment, often in challenging environments, drawing a parallel between their efforts and the VDP’s on the frontlines.
Somé pledged that RTB would remain steadfast in its mandate, focusing on programming that promotes territorial recapture, social cohesion, and national reconciliation. He emphasized the creation of content that encourages unity and fights against hatred and division, to contribute constructively to the battle against terrorism.
Souleymane Compaoré, representing the veteran figures of national television, expressed appreciation for acknowledging the contributions of previous generations to the evolution of the broadcaster. He hailed national television as a powerful driver of socio-economic development and cultural promotion.
Compaoré also reflected on the role of RTB in chronicling significant events in the nation’s history through its awareness and information campaigns.
The diamond jubilee of Burkina television will be celebrated with a series of activities spanning 72 hours, including a cooperation agreement with sister stations in Mali and Niger, a public conference, and the introduction of new programming.
Tracing its origins to August 5, 1963, when it was established as Volta Vision, Burkina Faso’s national television holds the distinction of being the first television service in post-independence Francophone Africa. It transitioned to color broadcasts in 1979 and expanded nationwide from 1982.