Tenkodogo—Media professionals from the Center-East region participated in a training session on May 20-21, 2024, focused on preventing radicalization and combating violent extremism. The training was chaired by Sayouba Sawadogo, Secretary General of the Center-East region, and organized by the Ministry of Security through the project “Preventing and Responding to Violent Extremism in the Atlantic Corridor,” funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the training aimed to strengthen the capacities of media professionals to better understand and report on violent extremism and radicalization. The session covered topics such as the role of media in preventing radicalization and promoting social cohesion. Participant Awa Ly/Bilgo noted that the training improved her understanding of violent extremism and how to address it in her reporting. Mariam Sanogo, Director General of Religious, Customary, and Traditional Affairs, emphasized the importance of media support in the fight against violent extremism. UNDP representative Moussa Ouédraogo highlighted the need for accurate and fair information dissemination, given the security situation in the country. Sawadogo called for a synergy of action among media professionals to support the government and its partners in rebuilding peace and social cohesion.