ZORGHOT, Burkina Faso – In a move to bolster collaboration between information actors and the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), Tikiené Rouamba, the regional director of communication and media for the central plateau of Burkina Faso, visited Zorgho on November 23, 2023.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the visit aimed to facilitate discussions between provincial information actors, the national police, and to learn from Radio Laafi de Zorgho’s initiatives in supporting Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and the FDS. “In a crisis and war situation, it’s crucial that defense and security forces and journalists speak the same language, as war is also won through communication,” Tikiené Rouamba said during the exchange meeting.

The theme of the meeting, “Information and the fight against terrorism: what collaboration between the FDS and journalists in the province of Ganzourgou?” highlighted the importance of a cooperative relationship between journalists and FDS in counterterrorism efforts. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the current state of collaboration and to address the challenges for more effective cooperation.

Rouamba stressed that misunderstandings about the roles and responsibilities of each group could lead to conflicts, impinging on freedom of press and security operations. However, information actors in Ganzourgou reported a healthy working relationship with the FDS, appreciating their responsiveness but seeking more information sharing on significant events in the province.

Albert Tarpaga, the director of Radio Laafi, affirmed the effective collaboration with the provincial police and expressed hope for further strengthening this partnership for accurate information dissemination. Bintou Ouédraogo, the provincial director of the Ganzourgou national police, also welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of professional execution of their respective missions.

Rouamba lauded the existing collaboration between the FDS and information actors in Ganzourgou, encouraging its continuation and expansion to other localities.

The visit also highlighted Radio Laafi de Zorgho’s successful campaign in collecting over 10 tons of food, 18 bags of clothing, and 800 thousand francs between February and May 2023, in response to the transitional president’s call to support IDPs and the FDS. Rouamba praised Radio Laafi for its initiative and encouraged other media outlets to emulate this example.

This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the alliance between media and defense sectors, crucial for effective information dissemination and support to those affected by conflict in Burkina Faso.