Manga: Media and communications professionals from Burkina Faso were invited to Manga on Thursday for a seminar aimed at encouraging them to use their platforms to challenge prejudices against the Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland (VDP) engaged in combating terrorism.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Volunteer Brigade for the Defense of the Homeland organized this awareness-raising and experience-sharing workshop to foster collaboration between media actors and VDPs in the fight against terrorism. The initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at civic and patriotic mobilization of the Burkinabe population to enhance support for the VDP.

Colonel-Major Ardjouma Pale, the technical advisor to the Minister of Defense, emphasized the importance of this seminar in promoting greater collaboration among citizens for the benefit of the VDP. Pascal Thiombiano, representing the Minister of Communication, highlighted the significance of the meeting in providing insights into the work and role of VDPs in the field.

The workshop will cover several themes, including terrorism and its manifestations in Burkina Faso, the challenges faced by VDPs, the importance of respecting human rights, and best practices for collaborating with VDPs. Participants will also learn about the risks of social media postings and the role and responsibility of media actors in counter-terrorism efforts.

In 2020, Burkinabe authorities initiated the recruitment of Volunteers for the Defense of the Homeland to support the National Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces. Despite their effectiveness, the use of these volunteers has faced criticism, although it is viewed as a patriotic act in other countries.