Burkina Faso media unite for national security with historic pact
Ouagadougou, May 14, 2025 – Burkina Faso’s media landscape took a decisive step toward national solidarity as press institutions signed a landmark pact under the supervision of the Superior Council of Communication (CSC). The agreement, endorsed by representatives from radio, television, print, and online media—alongside the Burkinabe Media Observatory (OBM)—formalizes their commitment to supporting security efforts while upholding journalistic ethics.
Three key commitments
- Media as Partners in Security: Outlets pledged to amplify patriotic messaging, promote social cohesion, and responsibly cover counterterrorism operations by defense forces (FDS) and civilian auxiliaries (VDP).
- Demands to the State: The pact calls for tax relief for press companies, full implementation of 2015 public information access laws, and structured dialogue between media and authorities.
- Oversight Mechanism: The CSC and OBM will monitor compliance, with a progress review in six months.
CSC President Louis Modeste Ouédraogo emphasized the pact is “a civic and professional act,” not a constraint on press freedom but a reinforcement of collective responsibility during crisis.
Dr. Cyriaque Paré (Lefaso.net) and RTB Director General Atéridar Galip Somé praised the initiative as vital for media resilience and national unity.
The move follows a May 3 workshop and comes as Burkina Faso battles jihadist insurgencies. Critics, however, warn against conflating patriotism with uncritical reporting.
Papa IBRAHIMA
