Tenkodogo: Journalists and media professionals from seven regions of Burkina Faso began a training session in Tenkodogo on Wednesday focused on information management, fact-checking, and combating disinformation. Organized by the Ministry of Communication, this meeting aims to strengthen the capacity of media professionals to maintain credible information in a digital environment characterized by the increasing circulation of manipulated content.
According to Burkina Information Agency, over four days, participants will strengthen their skills in information management, fact-checking and combating disinformation. Faced with the proliferation of false information on digital platforms and in a security context marked by a high circulation of online content, the Ministry in charge of Communication intends to equip media professionals with appropriate tools to preserve the quality of information and strengthen the resilience of populations against information manipulation.
In the message from the Minister in charge of Communication, read by his representative Marguerite Douanio/Sou, journalists and communicators were invited to adapt to technological changes in order to respond effectively to the challenges imposed by the rise of digital technology and social networks. During the first day of training, communicator Boukari Ouoba emphasized the central role of the professional journalist in the fight against disinformation, particularly during times of security crisis.
According to him, the journalist is distinguished from presenters, communicators, web activists and influencers by his obligation to verify, his editorial independence and his public service mission. Mr. Ouoba stressed the importance of identifying, verifying and cross-checking information sources before any dissemination. He indicated that the professional processing of information is based on three fundamental principles: fact-checking, contextualizing content, and respecting the ethical and professional rules of the profession.
For communicators, professional journalism remains an essential bulwark against informational chaos and the spread of fake news. In a second communication devoted to information management and the decoding of disinformation in a context of the fight against terrorism, Boukari Ouoba explained that information is based on verified, cross-checked and validated facts, while disinformation consists of deliberately spreading false information with the aim of deceiving public opinion.
He stressed that disinformation content can be fabricated, manipulated or taken out of context by various actors, including terrorist groups, foreign influence networks or certain local actors. The communicator also noted that security constraints often limit journalists' access to the field, thus creating an informational vacuum conducive to manipulation.
To address this threat, he recommended adopting a critical stance and presented the "STOP" method, which involves verifying the Sources, Timeline, Purpose and Evidence of any suspicious content before it is disseminated. Participants were urged to exercise caution and rigor in handling information.
According to the trainers, when doubt remains about the veracity of content, the journalist must refrain from publishing or resort to reserved formulas in order to preserve his credibility and contribute to the protection of the national information space.