Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, has called on African countries to enhance their information sovereignty. Speaking at the 15th edition of the Ouagadougou African Universities of Communication (UACO) in Ouagadougou, he emphasized the need for Africa to take control of its own narrative. According to Ouédraogo, mastering information has become a significant sovereignty issue. He represented President Ibrahim Traoré at the event.
Ouédraogo stressed that African countries must be able to tell their own stories, explain their choices, and defend their interests through their own content. He warned that a people who do not control their narrative are vulnerable. The Prime Minister highlighted that the ability to produce, verify, and disseminate information is an essential component of overall sovereignty. This comes as the continent faces challenges related to disinformation and influence strategies.
The 15th edition of UACO is themed "In a context of communication war, what attitudes and aptitudes for information and communication actors in Africa?" The event brings together information and communication professionals to discuss pressing issues. Participants aim to address the challenges posed by disinformation and influence strategies in the region. The meeting is an opportunity for experts to share insights and develop solutions.
Bassolma Bazié, President of the National Commission of the Sahel States Confederation (AES), denounced the use of information as a weapon against the organization. He claimed that some actors seek to denigrate, disinform, manipulate, and intoxicating public opinion on AES member countries. Bazié's remarks underscored the urgent need for African countries to take control of their information space.
Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso's Minister of Communication, invited participants to propose adapted responses to sector mutations while preserving the integrity, credibility, and responsibility of information and communication actors. The Minister's remarks echoed the Prime Minister's call for information sovereignty. The event provides a platform for stakeholders to engage in discussions and develop strategies.
The Ouagadougou African Universities of Communication (UACO) is an annual event that brings together experts and professionals in the field of communication. This year's edition focuses on the challenges posed by disinformation and influence strategies in Africa. The meeting aims to equip participants with the skills and knowledge needed to address these challenges effectively.
Key to achieving information sovereignty is the ability of African countries to produce and disseminate their own content. This enables them to control their narrative and defend their interests effectively. The call for information sovereignty is gaining momentum across the continent, with leaders and experts emphasizing its importance in the face of growing disinformation and influence strategies.
Key points
- Burkina Faso's Prime Minister, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, has urged African countries to strengthen their information sovereignty.
- The 15th edition of UACO focuses on addressing the challenges posed by disinformation and influence strategies in Africa.
- Experts and leaders stress the need for African countries to control their narrative and defend their interests through their own content.
