The second National Week to combat cybercrime in Burkina Faso began on October 26, 2026, in Ouagadougou, with the aim of educating the public about the risks associated with using digital platforms. The event, themed "Cybercrime and Emerging Digital Threats: From Click to Crime," is an initiative to strengthen the prevention of online-related offenses. The launch was attended by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Security and President of the Organizing Committee, Commander Ahmed Ouédraogo.
The week-long event features various activities, including open days, a sensitization caravan, thematic panels, and a hackathon for young people. The open days allow the public to interact with specialized institutions and organizations, such as the General Directorate of Transmissions and Informatics, the Laabal Brigade, and the National Identification Office. These institutions provide information on how to adopt responsible online behavior and understand the risks associated with digital platforms.
Commander Ahmed Ouédraogo emphasized that the second edition of the National Week aims to sensitize citizens to online behaviors that may expose them to cybercrime. He noted that cyber identity theft and online scams are on the rise, and no one is immune to these threats. Ouédraogo encouraged the public to seek reliable information from cybersecurity experts and to take responsibility for their online actions.
The event also features a sensitization caravan that will tour Ouagadougou to reach a wider audience. Additionally, panels will discuss emerging digital threats, and sports events, including a game of maracaña, are scheduled. A hackathon for young people is a new innovation in this edition, aiming to utilize their skills to find digital solutions for everyday life.
The organizers of the event seek to strengthen collaboration between institutions and organizations engaged in combating cybercrime. The participation of several public structures and partners reflects the desire to pool efforts to prevent offenses and better protect users. The public is urged to be vigilant in their online activities, as a single click can have significant consequences if accompanied by careless or malicious behavior.
The National Week to combat cybercrime is an initiative of the Ministry of Security, in collaboration with various institutions and organizations. The event aims to promote a safer use of social networks and to educate the public about the risks associated with digital platforms. By working together, the government and its partners hope to reduce the incidence of cybercrime in Burkina Faso.
The second National Week to combat cybercrime will conclude on October 30, 2026, having hopefully raised awareness among the Burkinabe people about the importance of online safety and the need for responsible digital behavior. The event is expected to contribute to a safer and more secure online environment for all users.
Key points
- The second National Week to combat cybercrime in Burkina Faso focuses on emerging digital threats and promotes online safety.
- The event features various activities, including open days, a sensitization caravan, thematic panels, and a hackathon for young people.
- The organizers aim to strengthen collaboration between institutions and organizations engaged in combating cybercrime.
