The 2nd edition of the National Week Against Cybercrime (SNLC) officially closed on October 30, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The event's closing ceremony saw the Ministry of Security award honors to individuals and organizations for their contributions to the fight against cybercrime. The SNLC, which ran from October 26 to 30, 2026, featured a conference and panels on the challenges of cybercrime.
The conference highlighted the evolution of cybercrime threats in Burkina Faso, digital vulnerability, and the importance of collective governance in the digital age. The first panel discussed the impact of information threats and religious discourse on social cohesion and state security in the digital era. The second panel focused on online scams and ways to better protect citizens and enhance trust in digital services.
According to Commander of the Burkina Faso's Cybercrime and Computer Forensics Brigade (BCLCC) Akim Nignan, participants made several recommendations to combat cybercrime, including the establishment of a law to set a digital age of majority in Burkina Faso and organizing awareness campaigns on digital education for parents. These efforts aim to reduce the prevalence of cybercrime in all its forms.
Several individuals and organizations received awards for their commitment to fighting cybercrime. Moussa Tagola won the African Mil Awards, which recognizes projects promoting media and information education, and received a prize of 1,500,000 FCFA. The winners of a hackathon on digital investigations were also honored, with the first team, Faso Sec, receiving 500,000 FCFA and a trophy for their solution, Faso Tracker.
Honorary awards were given to notable figures, including the first commander of the BCLCC, Bantida Samire Yoni, the NGO EduccommuniK, and adjudant-chef Christian Kiema, head of the Gendarmerie's digital monitoring and assistance brigade. Nina Kadi Diallo, program manager at Educcommunik, expressed her pride and gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the organization's efforts in promoting media and information education since 2010.
Minister of Security Mahamadou Sana emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining digital security, particularly in the context of the Progressive People's Revolution (RPP), which advocates for Burkina Faso's sovereignty alongside other AES states. He stressed that education is a crucial tool in protecting the country's cyber space and promoting digital sovereignty.
The 2nd National Week Against Cybercrime brought together various stakeholders under the theme "Cybercrime and Emerging Digital Threats: From Click to Crime." The event provided a platform for discussions, recommendations, and recognition of efforts to combat cybercrime in Burkina Faso. The Ministry of Security's awards ceremony acknowledged the contributions of individuals and organizations in the fight against cybercrime.
Key points
- The Ministry of Security awarded individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating cybercrime.
- The SNLC featured a conference and panels on the challenges of cybercrime.
- Participants made recommendations to combat cybercrime, including the establishment of a law to set a digital age of majority in Burkina Faso.
