Ouagadougou: The Minister of Security, Divisional Police Commissioner Mahamadou Sana, urged young Burkinabe to utilize digital technology as a catalyst for innovation rather than misuse it for harmful purposes. This call to action was made during the opening of the inaugural National Week for the Fight against Cybercrime (SNLC).

According to Burkina Information Agency, the event is organized by the Central Brigade for the Fight against Cybercrime (BCLCC) and will be held from October 27 to 31, 2025. The theme for this national initiative is 'Building national resilience against cybercrime: an imperative for peace, security and digital sovereignty in Burkina Faso.' Minister Sana highlighted that while the internet and related technologies offer significant opportunities in fields like education and trade, their misuse can turn them into tools for cybercriminals.

The minister expressed concerns about the threats posed by cybercrime, listing issues such as data theft, online scams, identity theft, and the dissemination of false information. These activities, he noted, compromise social peace, economic security, and the digital sovereignty of Burkina Faso.

National Cybercrime Week, according to Police Divisional Commissioner Mahamadou Sana, aims to provide a platform for discussions, training, and awareness initiatives to bolster prevention and resilience against cyber threats. He emphasized the importance of collective effort in building national resilience to safeguard peace, security, and digital sovereignty.

The BCLCC Commander, Chief Police Commissioner Bantida Samire Yoni, reported that financial losses exceeding 6.7 billion FCFA were recorded between 2020 and 2024 due to scams and cyberattacks. These figures, he suggested, illustrate the scale of the cybercrime problem and the urgent need for collaborative efforts to protect citizens and ensure digital stability.

Chief Police Commissioner Bantida Samire Yoni remarked that this first edition of the National Cybercrime Week is a pivotal step in strengthening the vision of a secure and responsible cyberspace in Burkina Faso. The Central Cybercrime Brigade has been instrumental in preventing, detecting, and addressing cyber threats since its inception.

The week will feature various activities, including panels, awareness campaigns, training sessions, a maracana tournament, open days, and a night to honor key participants in the fight against cybercrime.