The 15th edition of the African Universities of Communication in Ouagadougou (UACO) began on October 7, 2026, under the theme "In a context of communicative war, what attitudes and aptitudes for information and communication actors in Africa?" The event, presided over by the Prime Minister, will run until October 9, 2026. The first day featured three communications on various topics, including the role of Afro-descendants in constructing the international narrative of Burkina Faso.
The first communication was delivered by Ismaël Bicaba, Director of Institutional and Digital Communication at the Legislative Assembly of the People (ALP). He discussed the potential of Afro-descendants as a lever for constructing Burkina Faso's international narrative, highlighting the need for a structured public policy to mobilize this demographic. Bicaba's study used a qualitative approach, analyzing documents and comparative data to examine the conditions under which Afro-descendants can contribute to Burkina Faso's international repositioning.
The second communication focused on the Sahelian model of communication on resilience and sovereignty in the context of communicative war, using the example of the Rapid Intervention Battalions of Communication (BIR-C) in Burkina Faso. Sitapha Bihoun, a social worker and Infodemic manager, presented this communication, explaining the organization and role of BIR-C in deconstructing disinformation and promoting social cohesion. Bihoun emphasized the importance of continuously strengthening the capacities of BIR-C and equipping them with suitable materials.
The third communication of the day explored how the leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) deconstruct disinformation and legitimize themselves before their opinion and the international community. Yassia Ganamé, a Ph.D. student in Modern Letters at the University Joseph Ki-Zerbo, presented this communication, which aimed to show how AES leaders use linguistic tools to deconstruct disinformation. The event continues with more panels and discussions on various themes related to communication in Africa.
The UACO 2026 edition brings together experts and scholars from various fields to discuss the challenges and opportunities of communication in Africa. The event provides a platform for participants to share their experiences, research, and ideas on how to improve communication and information dissemination in the region. With a focus on practical solutions, the UACO aims to contribute to the development of effective communication strategies in Africa.
The panels and discussions at UACO 2026 cover a range of topics, including the role of Afro-descendants in international communication, the impact of communicative war on African countries, and the importance of resilience and sovereignty in communication. Participants are expected to share their insights and expertise, providing valuable contributions to the ongoing conversations on communication in Africa.
As the event continues, participants will have the opportunity to engage with experts and scholars, exploring the complexities of communication in Africa and potential solutions to the challenges faced by the region. The UACO 2026 edition is an important platform for promoting dialogue and cooperation among stakeholders, ultimately contributing to improved communication and information dissemination in Africa.
Key points
- The 15th edition of the African Universities of Communication in Ouagadougou (UACO) focuses on themes related to communication in Africa, including the role of Afro-descendants in constructing the international narrative of Burkina Faso.
