Burkina Faso: Social media, authorities and influencers join forces to promote responsible citizen discourse
In the era of all-digital technology where social networks shape consciousness and guide debates, the Burkinabe authorities have chosen dialogue over mistrust. This Tuesday, March 10, 2026, an unprecedented meeting took place in the capital, bringing together around the same table bloggers, activists, influencers, and “wayiyans,” those citizen watchmen who animate the national web.
Chaired by the president of the Higher Communication Council (CSC), Wendingoudi Louis Modeste Ouédraogo, this exchange session was themed: “Social responsibility of digital actors for citizen communication in Burkina Faso.”
Alongside the head of the CSC, the presence of the Minister of Communication, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, and the commander of the Central Cybercrime Fighting Brigade (BCLCC), Chief Superintendent Bantida Samire Yoni, was noted.
This security presence was not at all intimidating, but entirely a helping hand extended to guide without stifling.
In opening the proceedings, Wendingoudi Louis Modeste Ouédraogo took care to salute the commitment of the participants, before placing this meeting within a broader dynamic of national consultation.
“After fruitful discussions held with media leaders and communication directors, we deemed it useful to continue the dynamic with other, equally important actors operating in the digital communication sector,” he explained.
This initiative is indeed part of a series of consultations undertaken by the authorities with all actors in the media and digital landscape. The objective is clear: to promote responsible use of digital platforms, without falling into brutal censorship nor leaving the field open to excesses.
On February 25, an initial meeting brought together press bosses and communication directors from ministries and institutions.
The cycle thus naturally continues with those who, on the digital front, shape public opinion on a daily basis.
In a country facing major security challenges and permanent informational warfare, the question of the responsibility of digital actors is not trivial. Fake news, hate speech, external manipulations: the pitfalls are numerous. The authorities seem to have chosen prevention over blind repression.
The exchanges, described as “frank and constructive” by several participants, made it possible to address sensitive subjects such as the fight against disinformation, respect for ethics on networks, and collaboration between influencers and digital law enforcement.
A new page is turning in the relationship between the State and those who bring the Burkinabe web to life, against a backdrop of a common quest: responsible information in the service of the nation.
Cédric KABORE
