Saïba Nikiéma, a researcher at the Direction de la communication du ministère de la Sécurité, has successfully defended his master's thesis at the Université Libre du Burkina (ULB) in Ouagadougou. His research, titled "Audit des dispositifs de communication de la Police nationale du Burkina Faso face à la menace terroriste," evaluated the effectiveness of the Police nationale's communication strategies in the face of terrorism. Nikiéma's study aimed to assess whether the Police nationale's communication devices are adapted to the requirements of communication in a terrorist context.

Nikiéma's research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Émile Baziémo and presented to a jury chaired by Pr Firmin Gouba. The study focused on the Police nationale's communication strategies, highlighting the need for rapid, reliable, and effective communication in the context of terrorism. According to Nikiéma, his research differs from previous studies on Police nationale communication, as it takes into account the current terrorist context. The study's findings aimed to contribute to improving the Police nationale's communication effectiveness in this specific context.

The researcher's objective was to evaluate the adequacy of the Police nationale's communication devices in the face of terrorist threats. Nikiéma's study revealed that while a solid communication base exists within the Police nationale, the major challenge lies in the institution's reactivity and perspective of strengthening its proximity to the population. The study emphasized the importance of having a communication system that responds to current standards, including rapid and reliable information dissemination that meets the needs of the population.

Nikiéma's master's thesis was defended on September 22, 2026, and he obtained a "mention bien" (good mention) upon completion. The researcher's work aims to contribute to the fight against terrorism and insecurity in Burkina Faso. According to Nikiéma, the study's results will help the Police nationale to adapt its communication strategies to the current context, ultimately enhancing its effectiveness in addressing terrorist threats.

The study's findings highlighted the need for the Police nationale to have a communication system that is adapted to the current context. Nikiéma emphasized that this involves having a communication system that is rapid, reliable, and responsive to the needs of the population. The researcher's work also underscored the importance of strengthening the Police nationale's proximity to the population, which is critical in building trust and cooperation.

The Université Libre du Burkina (ULB) in Ouagadougou provided the academic platform for Nikiéma's research. The institution's involvement in promoting research and academic excellence in Burkina Faso is evident in its support for Nikiéma's master's thesis. The study's success reflects the quality of research conducted at the university and its contribution to addressing pressing national issues.

Saïba Nikiéma's achievement marks a significant milestone in his academic career. His research on the Police nationale's communication strategies against terrorism has contributed valuable insights to the field. The study's findings and recommendations will be useful for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners seeking to improve communication strategies in the context of terrorism and insecurity.

Key points

  • Saïba Nikiéma earns master's degree for research on Police nationale's communication strategies against terrorism in Burkina Faso.
  • The study evaluated the effectiveness of the Police nationale's communication devices in the face of terrorist threats.
  • The researcher's findings highlighted the need for the Police nationale to adapt its communication strategies to the current context.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.