Acra NGO strengthens journalists' capacity to combat disinformation in Burkina Faso

This initiative, part of the Pense Libre project, aims to address security challenges and the rise of disinformation by focusing on conflict-sensitive journalism, combating disinformation, and the responsible use of social media and artificial intelligence. The organization seeks to improve information quality and enhance the media's role in promoting social cohesion in Burkina Faso. Amidou Koné, representing Lieutenant Colonel Pélagie Kaboré, the Minister in charge of Solidarity and patron of the workshop, highlighted the media's crucial role in the country's security crisis.

He noted that while media can foster community dialogue and positive initiatives, unverified information or hate speech can inadvertently exacerbate tensions. Madiné Poingar, Acra's Country Coordinator in Burkina Faso, explained that the Pense Libre project, which also operates in Chad, Senegal, and Guinea, aims to equip journalists to disseminate accurate information and promote social cohesion. Louis Modeste Ouédraogo, president of the Superior Council of Communication, praised the training for enabling media professionals to deepen their knowledge of fact-checking, disinformation combat techniques, responsible digital platform use, and communication approaches that support social cohesion.