On October 8, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso's Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo emphasized the need for African countries to strengthen their information sovereignty. He made this statement during the opening of the 15th edition of the African Universities of Communication in Ouagadougou (UACO). The Prime Minister, representing President Ibrahim Traoré, highlighted that mastering information has become a crucial aspect of sovereignty.
Ouédraogo stressed that African countries must be capable of telling their own stories, explaining their choices, and defending their interests through their own content. He noted that a people who do not control their narrative are vulnerable. The Prime Minister added that the ability to produce, verify, and disseminate information is an essential component of overall sovereignty. This statement comes as the continent faces challenges related to disinformation and influence strategies.
The 15th edition of UACO, themed "In a context of communicative war, what attitudes and aptitudes for information and communication actors in Africa?", brings together professionals from the information and communication sectors. The discussions focus on the challenges posed by disinformation and strategies of influence. The event aims to find ways to address these issues and promote a more responsible and credible information environment.
Bassolma Bazié, President of the National Commission of the Confederation of Sahel States (AES), denounced the use of information as a weapon against the Sahelian organization. He accused certain actors of seeking to denigrate, disinform, manipulate, and intoxicating public opinion on AES member countries. Bazié's remarks underscore the complexities and challenges facing the region in terms of information and communication.
Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, Burkina Faso's Minister of Communication, invited participants to propose adapted responses to the sector's mutations while preserving the integrity, credibility, and responsibility of information and communication actors. The Minister's call to action highlights the need for a proactive approach to addressing the evolving challenges in the information and communication landscape.
The UACO meeting provides a platform for experts and professionals to share experiences and discuss strategies for enhancing information sovereignty in Africa. The event also offers an opportunity for participants to network and build partnerships that can help address the challenges facing the continent. By promoting a more informed and responsible approach to information and communication, African countries can strengthen their sovereignty and promote sustainable development.
The theme of information sovereignty is particularly relevant in the context of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), which brings together Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. The AES aims to promote cooperation and solidarity among its member states, and the issue of information sovereignty is critical to achieving this goal. By controlling their own narratives and information, AES member states can better promote their interests and defend their sovereignty.
Key points
- Burkina Faso's Prime Minister calls on African countries to strengthen their information sovereignty.
- The 15th edition of UACO focuses on the challenges posed by disinformation and influence strategies in Africa.
- The event aims to promote a more responsible and credible information environment in Africa.
