More than 40 Burkinabè journalists, representing both public and private media outlets, recently completed a military training program. The ruling junta has characterized this initiative as a “patriotic immersion,” declaring it an annual requirement.
While a similar mandatory program was imposed last year on baccalaureate students, a measure attributed to Burkina Faso’s ongoing struggle against jihadist groups, this latest directive is raising alarm among press freedom advocates. Their concerns are amplified by previous instances where Burkinabè journalists were forcibly conscripted for combat roles. Furthermore, the national media landscape operates under intense government scrutiny, exemplified by the case of Serge Oulon, who remains detained two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou. This situation highlights the growing pressure on media in the Sahel.
Initiated by the Ministry of Security, the training spanned one week at the Pabré Police Academy, located approximately 20 kilometers outside Ouagadougou. National television footage captured the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, addressing the assembled journalists. Dressed in camouflage fatigues and holding rifles, he posed a direct question: “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” The journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison with a resounding “Affirmative!” The Minister elaborated on his vision, stating, “A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist who remains unengaged is akin to a passive observer during a period when the most significant chapters of their nation’s history are being written.” This reflects the current Sahel politics influencing media.
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, offered his perspective, asserting that the training aims to “familiarize journalists with the operational realities and core values that guide our defense and security forces on a daily basis.”
Nevertheless, this “patriotic immersion,” as termed by the authorities, continues to be a source of deep concern for proponents of press freedom. Sadibou Marong from the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly articulated his organization’s position, stating, “Journalists are not soldiers and should not be co-opted as instruments of the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and wielding weapons.” This sentiment resonates across West Africa insider news channels.
While a similar mandatory program was imposed last year on baccalaureate students, a measure attributed to Burkina Faso’s ongoing struggle against jihadist groups, this latest directive is raising alarm among press freedom advocates. Their concerns are amplified by previous instances where Burkinabè journalists were forcibly conscripted for combat roles. Furthermore, the national media landscape operates under intense government scrutiny, exemplified by the case of Serge Oulon, who remains detained two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou. This situation highlights the growing pressure on media in the Sahel.
Initiated by the Ministry of Security, the training spanned one week at the Pabré Police Academy, located approximately 20 kilometers outside Ouagadougou. National television footage captured the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, addressing the assembled journalists. Dressed in camouflage fatigues and holding rifles, he posed a direct question: “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” The journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison with a resounding “Affirmative!” The Minister elaborated on his vision, stating, “A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist who remains unengaged is akin to a passive observer during a period when the most significant chapters of their nation’s history are being written.” This reflects the current Sahel politics influencing media.
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, offered his perspective, asserting that the training aims to “familiarize journalists with the operational realities and core values that guide our defense and security forces on a daily basis.”
Nevertheless, this “patriotic immersion,” as termed by the authorities, continues to be a source of deep concern for proponents of press freedom. Sadibou Marong from the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) strongly articulated his organization’s position, stating, “Journalists are not soldiers and should not be co-opted as instruments of the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and wielding weapons.” This sentiment resonates across West Africa insider news channels.
