Ouagadougou: The government of Burkina Faso has called upon the Burkina Information Agency (AIB) network of correspondents to prioritize the dissemination of reliable information that accurately reflects national realities. This appeal was made by the spokesperson for the Burkinabe government, Pingdwend Gilbert Oudraogo, during the annual meeting of AIB correspondents held in Ouagadougou.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting, which gathered 61 correspondents, was inaugurated under the auspices of the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, Pingdwend Gilbert Oudraogo. In his address, Oudraogo emphasized the strategic importance of AIB in reinforcing Burkina Faso's informational sovereignty and urged the correspondents to produce content that is both reliable and rooted in the country's realities.
The minister praised the correspondents for their efforts in ensuring comprehensive territorial coverage for AIB, acknowledging them as the crucial link that enables the agency's widespread presence across the nation. He highlighted the progress made by AIB two years after it was established as an autonomous directorate general.
In light of the challenges posed by disinformation and content manipulation, Oudraogo stressed the importance of responsible journalism. He clarified that patriotic journalism does not equate to abandoning truth but requires discernment and professionalism, considering the impact of information on national security and social cohesion.
The minister urged the correspondents to adopt accuracy, verification, ethics, and public interest as the core principles guiding their journalistic endeavors. He called for a commitment to patriotic journalism that is anchored in discernment, responsibility, and an unwavering quest for truth.
The opening ceremony saw the presence of key figures such as directors and department heads from AIB's general management, the chairwoman of AIB's board, Batour Lamizana, and the general manager of ditions Sidwaya, Asstou Badoh. The meeting, scheduled for September 11 and 12, 2026, aims to review the agency's progress, address participants' concerns, and explore solutions to field challenges.
Established as a state public institution in September 2024, AIB is tasked with defending Burkina Faso's sovereignty and interests, promoting the country's culture, and delivering credible information to both the public and institutions. The annual correspondents' meeting serves as a platform for evaluating advancements since the last session, understanding the new Director General's vision, and exploring concepts like patriotic journalism and war communication advocated by the Ministry of Communication.
The forum also provides an opportunity for correspondents to share experiences, avoid common errors in news writing, and engage in the professional development of new correspondents.