The 15th edition of the Universities of African Communication in Ouagadougou (UACO) was officially opened on October 7, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, representing the President of Burkina Faso, presided over the opening ceremony. The event gathered professionals from the communication sector to discuss pressing issues such as disinformation, opinion manipulation, and influence strategies in Africa. This year's theme, "In a context of communication war, what attitudes and aptitudes for information and communication actors in Africa?" sets the tone for critical discussions.
During his address, Prime Minister Ouédraogo stressed the importance of producing, verifying, and disseminating African narratives to achieve true information sovereignty on the continent. He urged professionals to confront the challenges of global communication wars. The Prime Minister's call to action emphasizes the need for authentic and reliable information to counter external narratives that often dominate African stories. This appeal aligns with the broader goal of establishing a robust and independent African communication framework.
Bassolma Bazié, the event's patron, likened information and communication to vital elements essential for the survival and well-being of African societies. However, he also criticized the misuse of these tools as instruments of war and destabilization. Bazié's remarks highlight the dual nature of information and communication, which can either empower or undermine societal stability. His comments set the stage for discussions on the responsible use of these powerful tools.
The Minister of Communication, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, expressed his hope that the conference would yield practical solutions to the evolving challenges in the communication sector. He emphasized the importance of integrity, credibility, and responsibility among professionals in the field. The Minister's statement underscores the need for a proactive and adaptive approach to communication, one that prioritizes ethical standards and public trust.
The inaugural lecture, delivered by political scientist Claude Wilfried Ekanga, marked the beginning of the conference debates. Ekanga's presentation aimed to strengthen African communication systems, ensuring they are professional, sovereign, and capable of projecting the continent's narratives in the face of dominant external influences. The lecture provided a foundational framework for the discussions that followed, focusing on strategies for enhancing African communication capabilities.
The 15th UACO brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including communication professionals, policymakers, and academics. The conference provides a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and developing strategies to address the complex issues facing the communication sector in Africa. By fostering dialogue and collaboration, the event seeks to contribute to the development of a more robust and resilient African communication landscape.
As the conference progresses, participants are expected to engage in in-depth discussions, workshops, and panel sessions. These activities will focus on practical solutions to the challenges posed by communication wars, disinformation, and the manipulation of public opinion. The outcomes of the 15th UACO will likely inform future initiatives aimed at promoting African information sovereignty and enhancing the professionalism and credibility of the communication sector.
Key points
- Prime Minister Ouédraogo calls for African narratives to counter external influences.
- The conference focuses on the challenges of communication wars and disinformation in Africa.
- Participants aim to develop strategies for a more professional and sovereign African communication sector.
