More than 40 Burkinabè journalists, representing both public and private media outlets, have recently completed a military training program. The ruling junta has characterized this initiative as a « patriotic immersion » experience, which authorities now plan to conduct annually.
While a similar mandatory program was introduced last year for baccalaureate students, a measure implemented within the country’s ongoing conflict against jihadist groups, this new directive targeting journalists is raising alarms among press freedom defenders. Their apprehension is compounded by previous instances of Burkinabè journalists being forcibly conscripted for combat and the significant pressure exerted on the national press by the government. The case of Serge Oulon, who remains detained two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou, serves as a stark reminder of this challenging environment.
The week-long training, spearheaded by the Ministry of Security, took place at the Pabré Police Academy, situated approximately twenty kilometers from Ouagadougou. National television broadcast footage showing Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, addressing the journalists. Dressed in camouflage fatigues and holding rifles, he posed a direct question: « Will you be patriotic and professional journalists? » The journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison: « Affirmative! » The minister further emphasized, « A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist, yet uncommitted, is akin to a passive spectator in a period where the most glorious chapters of their nation’s history are being written. »
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, articulated that the primary objective of this training is to « imbue [journalists] with 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 generate significant concern among organizations dedicated to press freedom. Sadibou Marong of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced his apprehension, stating, « Journalists are not soldiers and must not be coerced into becoming extensions of the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and armed with weapons. »
While a similar mandatory program was introduced last year for baccalaureate students, a measure implemented within the country’s ongoing conflict against jihadist groups, this new directive targeting journalists is raising alarms among press freedom defenders. Their apprehension is compounded by previous instances of Burkinabè journalists being forcibly conscripted for combat and the significant pressure exerted on the national press by the government. The case of Serge Oulon, who remains detained two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou, serves as a stark reminder of this challenging environment.
The week-long training, spearheaded by the Ministry of Security, took place at the Pabré Police Academy, situated approximately twenty kilometers from Ouagadougou. National television broadcast footage showing Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, addressing the journalists. Dressed in camouflage fatigues and holding rifles, he posed a direct question: « Will you be patriotic and professional journalists? » The journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison: « Affirmative! » The minister further emphasized, « A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist, yet uncommitted, is akin to a passive spectator in a period where the most glorious chapters of their nation’s history are being written. »
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, articulated that the primary objective of this training is to « imbue [journalists] with 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 generate significant concern among organizations dedicated to press freedom. Sadibou Marong of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced his apprehension, stating, « Journalists are not soldiers and must not be coerced into becoming extensions of the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and armed with weapons. »
Burkina Faso: journalists face mandatory military training amid rising concerns