Over forty Burkinabe journalists, representing both public and private media outlets, have recently completed a week-long military training exercise. The ruling junta in Burkina Faso describes this initiative as a “patriotic immersion,” which is now slated to become an annual event.
This development unfolds against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict with jihadist groups across the nation. A similar program was made compulsory for baccalaureate students last year. However, this new directive targeting journalists has ignited significant apprehension among advocates for press freedom. Concerns are amplified by past incidents where Burkinabe journalists were forcibly conscripted for combat and by the palpable pressure exerted on the national press. A stark reminder of this environment is the continued detention of Serge Oulon, who remains held two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou.
The training, spearheaded by the Ministry of Security, took place at the Pabré Police Academy, situated approximately twenty kilometers outside Ouagadougou. Footage broadcast by national television depicted Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, addressing the assembled journalists. Dressed in military fatigues and holding rifles, Minister Ouédraogo posed a direct question: “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” The journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison, “Affirmative!”
The minister further elaborated on the government’s stance, stating, “A professional journalist who lacks patriotism poses a threat. A journalist who is both professional and patriotic but remains disengaged is akin to a passive observer at a crucial juncture where the most significant chapters of their country’s history are being written.”
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, offered his perspective on the program’s objectives. He explained that the training is designed to “imbue [journalists] with the operational realities and core values that guide our defense and security forces on a daily basis.”
Despite the authorities’ characterization of this as “patriotic immersion,” the initiative continues to trouble organizations dedicated to safeguarding press freedom. Sadibou Marong of the NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) voiced his strong disapproval, asserting, “Journalists are not soldiers and must not be coerced into becoming tools for the war effort, clad in military uniforms and armed.”