More than 40 Burkinabè journalists, representing both public and private media organizations, have recently undergone a mandatory military training program. The ruling junta has characterized this initiative as a “patriotic immersion,” a practice now designated to occur annually.
While a similar program was instituted last year for students admitted to the baccalaureate, reflecting the nation’s ongoing conflict against jihadist groups, this latest directive raises significant alarm among press freedom advocates. Concerns are amplified by past instances of Burkinabè journalists being forcibly conscripted for combat and the intense pressure exerted by the authorities on the national press. The unresolved case of Serge Oulon, who remains detained two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou, serves as a stark reminder of these pressures.
The week-long training, initiated by the Ministry of Security, took place at the Pabré Police Academy, situated approximately twenty kilometers from Ouagadougou. Footage broadcast by the national television channel depicted Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, addressing the journalists while dressed in fatigues and holding a rifle. He directly questioned them, asking, “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” To this, the assembled journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison, “Affirmative!” The minister then articulated the regime’s stance, adding, “A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist who is not engaged is merely a passive spectator in a context where the most significant pages of their country’s history are being written.”
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, explained that the training’s objective is to “immerse [journalists] in the operational realities and core values that guide our defense and security forces on a daily basis.”
Nevertheless, this “patriotic immersion,” as termed by the authorities, continues to deeply trouble organizations dedicated to press freedom. Sadibou Marong of Reporters sans frontières (RSF) voiced his strong objection, stating, “Journalists are not soldiers and must not be transformed into instruments of the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and armed.”
While a similar program was instituted last year for students admitted to the baccalaureate, reflecting the nation’s ongoing conflict against jihadist groups, this latest directive raises significant alarm among press freedom advocates. Concerns are amplified by past instances of Burkinabè journalists being forcibly conscripted for combat and the intense pressure exerted by the authorities on the national press. The unresolved case of Serge Oulon, who remains detained two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou, serves as a stark reminder of these pressures.
The week-long training, initiated by the Ministry of Security, took place at the Pabré Police Academy, situated approximately twenty kilometers from Ouagadougou. Footage broadcast by the national television channel depicted Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, addressing the journalists while dressed in fatigues and holding a rifle. He directly questioned them, asking, “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” To this, the assembled journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison, “Affirmative!” The minister then articulated the regime’s stance, adding, “A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist who is not engaged is merely a passive spectator in a context where the most significant pages of their country’s history are being written.”
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, explained that the training’s objective is to “immerse [journalists] in the operational realities and core values that guide our defense and security forces on a daily basis.”
Nevertheless, this “patriotic immersion,” as termed by the authorities, continues to deeply trouble organizations dedicated to press freedom. Sadibou Marong of Reporters sans frontières (RSF) voiced his strong objection, stating, “Journalists are not soldiers and must not be transformed into instruments of the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and armed.”
You may also like
Senegal’s sunday highlights: political tensions, presidential travels, and sports victories
Gabon: journalist released after four months, sparking press freedom debate
Dakar’s unexpected price shock: everyday goods more expensive than in Paris
Truckers push for smoother border crossings between Senegal and Mali
Gabon and democratic republic of Congo strengthen ties during presidential visit