Ouagadougou: The Director of Information of the Burkina Information Agency (AIB), Tilado Apollinaire Abga, defended his master’s thesis in Information Professions Techniques on Thursday in Ouagadougou, focusing on the theme: “The impact of denigrating religious discourse conveyed by the social network TikTok on social cohesion in Burkina Faso”.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the defense took place before a jury from the Nazi Boni University of Bobo-Dioulasso, which was relocated to Ouagadougou. The jury consisted of Dr. Dimitri Regis Balima as president, Dr. Salifou Koala as rapporteur, and Moussa Sanon, who served as the thesis director.
The candidate, Tilado Apollinaire Abga, explained that his interest in the subject arose from the context where social networks often fuel tensions and misunderstandings among communities. He was particularly concerned with the proliferation of polarizing religious discourse on TikTok and its potential effects on social cohesion.
His research employed content analysis, questionnaires, and targeted interviews to demonstrate the rapid spread of these messages, their emotional impact, and the social fragmentation risks they pose. Abga pointed out that TikTok’s short video format and algorithms, which amplify offensive content, can exacerbate denigration, tension, resentment, and even lead to confrontations if not addressed promptly.
Abga offered recommendations to foster tolerance and interreligious dialogue to promote peace and cohesion in Burkina Faso. He emphasized the importance of unity, especially in a national context marked by security and humanitarian challenges, advocating against division based on religious grounds.
The jury commended the significance and timeliness of the topic, as well as the methodological rigor of the research. Following deliberations, they declared the thesis admissible.
The ceremony was attended by the Director General of AIB, Ms. Seraphine Millogo/Some, who congratulated Abga on his “academic achievement.” The Director General of Sidwaya Publishing, Ms. Assetou Bado Guira, also present, offered her encouragement to the candidate.
Tilado Apollinaire Abga expressed gratitude to his academic supervisors and superiors, dedicating his success to his parents and colleagues.