The second edition of Burkina Faso's National Week Against Cybercrime was officially launched on October 26, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The event, organized by the Ministry of Security through the Central Brigade for Cybercrime Control (BCLCC), will run until October 30, 2026. This year's theme is "Cybercrime and Emerging Digital Threats: From Click to Crime." The initiative seeks to enhance collective vigilance and contribute to securing Burkina Faso's cyber space.
The National Week Against Cybercrime serves as a platform for awareness, reflection, and mobilization around the risks associated with digital technology use. The event brings together state actors, security forces, digital professionals, academics, youth, and civil society representatives. The goal is to address the growing threat of cybercrime, which can have severe consequences, including financial losses and damage to social cohesion.
Representing the Prime Minister at the launch ceremony, General Célestin Simporé, Minister of Defense, highlighted the unique nature of cybercrime threats. He noted that the adversary has no face, uniform, or borders and can strike at any time. General Simporé emphasized that cybercrime consequences extend beyond financial losses, affecting populations directly and contributing to the spread of hate speech, disinformation, and community tensions.
The Minister of Defense stressed the importance of not considering the digital space as an area where anonymity allows individuals to escape the consequences of their actions. He stated that today's illusion of anonymity can transform a simple online action into a criminal act. This assertion underscores the relevance of the chosen theme for this second edition, which aims to promote responsible digital practices.
The Burkinabè government aims to strengthen citizen protection and national resilience in the face of growing cyber threats. The National Week Against Cybercrime is designed to facilitate exchanges, training, and awareness-raising among stakeholders concerned with digital security. The fight against cybercrime requires not only specialized services but also the commitment of citizens, businesses, and institutions.
General Simporé invited young people to use digital technology as a lever for innovation, not an instrument for implementation. He also called on institutions to enhance the security of their computer systems and on citizens to contribute to collective vigilance. Through this initiative, authorities seek to promote responsible digital practices and emphasize that securing the cyber space is a shared responsibility.
The second National Week Against Cybercrime in Burkina Faso will focus on reinforcing the importance of collaboration in combating cyber threats. By engaging various stakeholders, the government hopes to create a safer digital environment for its citizens. The event will provide a platform for experts to share knowledge and best practices in addressing emerging digital threats.
Key points
- The second National Week Against Cybercrime in Burkina Faso aims to raise awareness about emerging digital threats and promote responsible digital practices.
- The event seeks to enhance collective vigilance and contribute to securing Burkina Faso's cyber space.
- The fight against cybercrime requires the commitment of citizens, businesses, and institutions, in addition to specialized services.
