Bobo-dioulasso: The Higher Council for Communication (CSC), in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), organized a three-day workshop from September 22 to 24, 2025, in Bobo-Dioulasso to enhance journalists' understanding of defense and security budgets.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop, part of the "Civic Space in Burkina Faso" project, aimed to fortify the media's role in promoting peace, security, and national cohesion. Approximately forty media professionals from various regions, including Bobo-Dioulasso, Dedougou, Banfora, Gaoua, and Diebougou, participated in the event.
During the workshop's opening ceremony, Governor of Hauts-Bassins, Mariama Konate/Gnanou, expressed her appreciation for selecting Bobo-Dioulasso as the venue. She highlighted the significance of the initiative by CSC and its partners, which aligns with the country's need for collective societal engagement to support governmental efforts.
DCAF National Advisor Quentin Ouedraogo emphasized that the workshop served as a platform for dialogue, exchange, and co-construction among journalists, the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), community leaders, and civil society actors. He noted that the discussions would foster a better understanding of security and budgetary matters, proposing tangible solutions to enhance social cohesion and sustainable peace in Burkina Faso.
CSC President Wendingoudi Louis Modeste Ouedraogo pointed out that misunderstandings among stakeholders often lead to conflicts. He stated that the workshop would facilitate better mutual understanding and collaboration to restore peace and security in Burkina Faso.
In addition to the workshop, a CSC delegation visited several media outlets in Bobo-Dioulasso, including Radio Evangile Developpement. CSC advisor Abdoulaye Tao reiterated the significance of the "Burkina Faso Media Pact for communication on the war against terrorism and for the reconquest of the national territory," signed on May 14, 2025. The pact commits Burkinabe media to combat disinformation, promote peace, fraternity, and love, and avoid sharing information that could jeopardize the FDS.
This capacity-building initiative represents a crucial step in the CSC's and its partners' mission to deliver quality information supporting the national security strategy. It also reflects the commitment to fostering constructive dialogue between the media and defense and security actors to contribute to a more secure and unified Burkina Faso.
The participating journalists concluded the workshop better equipped to analyze and communicate issues related to defense and security budgets while adhering to professional and ethical standards.