Ouagadougou: AIB, Burkina Faso's official news agency, marks its 61st anniversary, reflecting on its evolution and steadfast dedication to serving both the nation and the broader international community. Founded on May 27, 1964, initially as the Voltaic Press Agency (AVP), AIB has grown from a simple press agency into a modern media outlet, renowned for its commitment to truth, objectivity, and swift information dissemination.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the journey of AIB over the decades has been one of transformation and resilience. From its establishment as an autonomous entity with legal personality, AIB has navigated various political landscapes and adapted to new expectations. In 1977, AIB gained independence from the Information Service, only to face potential dissolution under Saye Zerbo's regime in 1982. However, the arrival of Captain Thomas Sankara in 1983 marked a revival, with significant reforms that shaped AIB's current identity.
In 1984, an order from the President of the National Council of the Revolution redefined AIB's role, emphasizing the regulation of foreign dispatches and press release publications. This period also saw the transition from the Voltaic Press Agency to the Burkina Information Agency, aligning with the country's name change under Sankara's leadership.
The late 1990s brought a digital transformation to AIB, as it acquired modern equipment, launched a website, and ceased the publication of its daily bulletin in 2005. This shift enabled AIB to effectively cover local, national, and international news, bolstered by a robust network of correspondents. In 1999, a merger with the public daily Sidwaya resulted in the creation of the National Office of Sidwaya Editions, later known as 'Les ‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬°ditions Sidwaya' from 2011.
To further strengthen its capacity, the Council of Ministers, on August 21, 2024, established AIB as a State Public Establishment, endorsing specific statutes for its operation. This move ensures AIB's mission to provide reliable, comprehensive, and objective information, while defending national interests and safeguarding Burkina Faso's sovereignty.
As AIB celebrates 61 years, it continues to face the challenges of a globalized information landscape, remaining steadfast in its mission to support the responsible national press and the ongoing struggle for the Sahel's emancipation.