Mouhoun: About fifty journalists, public communicators, bloggers, and opinion leaders from several regions of Burkina Faso concluded a capacity-building session in D©dougou, aimed at developing alternative content to combat subversive messages and disinformation targeting the nation. This initiative was spearheaded by the Directorate General of Communication and Media (DGCM).

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Ministry of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism (MCCAT) organized the event as part of the national war communication strategy. The goal is to enhance local communication efforts that support reclaiming national territory and consolidating social cohesion. The session centered around the theme: "Strategic communication and the fight against hate speech and subversive messages against Burkina Faso."

The four-day session gathered media professionals, public communicators, Defense and Security Forces (FDS), community leaders, and several experts to discuss topics such as deconstructing stereotypes against Burkina Faso, official state positions on the security crisis, strategic communication, and preventing radicalization.

Alexis Yam©ogo, representing the Minister of Communication, commended the quality of discussions and contributions from participants. He emphasized that the session equipped media actors with tools to produce fact-based, peaceful, and unity-promoting discourse. Journalists and communicators are now expected to act as "ambassadors" and "defenders of Burkina Faso's image."

Yam©ogo also highlighted the importance of prioritizing unifying content over divisive narratives. He acknowledged the contributions of experts from the Strategic Analysis Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and consultants who facilitated the various communications.

He urged media professionals to handle information with rigor and avoid stigmatization or extremist discourse. Participants were encouraged to share their newly acquired knowledge through various media platforms, aiming to create a public resistant to disinformation and manipulation.

The session in D©dougou marks the beginning of a series of similar events planned across Burkina Faso, strengthening the national response against disinformation and subversive messages. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, social cohesion, and a united national identity.