Bogande: The National Police of Burkina Faso held an awareness session on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 in Bogande, focusing on the vital role youth play in fostering peace in the digital age. This initiative targeted young people from the EE/SIM churches, emphasizing responsible social media engagement to reinforce social cohesion.
According to Burkina Information Agency, this event was part of a mini youth camp organized by church youth leaders, who sought the expertise of the National Police to address contemporary challenges related to social media. The session, led by police sub-lieutenants Tiendrebeogo and Pascal Kabore, attracted more than 400 participants eager to learn about the responsible use of platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok, and X.
The primary goal of this initiative is to curb the misuse of social networks, which can lead to disinformation, hate speech, and manipulation, while promoting civic behavior that supports peace and social cohesion. In his presentation, Second Lieutenant P Jules Tiendrebeogo discussed the dual role of social networks as both tools for peace and potential sources of division. He emphasized that peace extends beyond the absence of conflict to include tolerance, mutual respect, and community solidarity.
Tiendrebeogo highlighted the significant opportunities social networks present for raising awareness, fostering intercultural dialogue, and mobilizing citizens. However, he also cautioned against their misuse, which can lead to the rapid spread of false information and hate speech, urging young people to verify sources before sharing content.
Second Lieutenant Pascal Kabore underscored the individual responsibility of each young person to promote positive messages, reject discriminatory remarks, and engage in responsible online behavior. Participants were encouraged to think critically before posting, respect others in digital interactions, and avoid sharing content that could undermine social peace.
Through this initiative, the National Police of Burkina Faso reiterates its commitment to equipping young people with the tools to build a peaceful society characterized by unity and social cohesion.