The Union catholique africaine de la presse, section du Burkina Faso (UCAP-B), held its 2026-2027 launch ceremony on October 31, 2026, in Ouagadougou. The event was presided over by Minister of Communication Gilbert Ouédraogo and Minister of Territorial Administration Émile Zerbo. The organization aims to strengthen reflection on the role of media in preserving social cohesion, particularly in the face of current security and social challenges.
The ceremony brought together media professionals, communication experts, and several personalities to discuss the responsibility of information professionals in building a peaceful society. The UCAP-B has chosen the theme "Consolidation of peace and social cohesion: contribution of media and communication organizations" for its 2026-2027 year. This theme is considered relevant to current concerns in Burkina Faso and aligns with efforts to strengthen social cohesion.
Alexis Yaméogo, representing the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, praised the commitment and professionalism of UCAP-B members. He emphasized that the role of journalists and communicators goes beyond simply transmitting information, as they also carry a social vision and responsibility. Yaméogo highlighted the importance of ethics and truth in journalism, particularly in an environment where rumors and fake news can strain community relations.
Yaméogo stressed the link between the quality of information disseminated and the preservation of social cohesion. He encouraged media professionals to exercise discernment when handling sensitive topics, especially in the current security context. The representative of the minister also emphasized the need for journalists to cultivate self-regulation, strengthen their professionalism, and invest in continuous training to adapt to the changing information landscape.
Romaric Ouédraogo, President of UCAP-B for 2025-2028, paid tribute to the organization's founders and pioneers, including Abbé Dieudonné Kalmogo and Édouard Ouédraogo. He expressed gratitude to the next generation of members who have contributed to maintaining the organization's momentum. Ouédraogo emphasized that the launch ceremony is an opportunity for members to come together, reflect, and mobilize around the organization's mission to promote peace and social cohesion.
The UCAP-B president highlighted the importance of the organization's role in promoting a culture of peace and social cohesion. He encouraged members to take an active part in the organization's initiatives and to work together to build a stronger, more credible association. Ouédraogo also emphasized the need for media professionals to prioritize human dignity and avoid practices that could compromise peace or harm individuals.
The launch ceremony included a communication by Dr. Cyriaque Paré on the ethical responsibility of journalists and communicators in the face of peace challenges. The UCAP-B aims to raise awareness among its members and encourage the emergence of strong and credible associations. The organization also seeks to create a space for mutual support and experience-sharing between veteran journalists and newcomers to the profession.
Key points
- UCAP-B prioritizes peace and social cohesion in its 2026-2027 year.
- The organization emphasizes the importance of ethics and truth in journalism.
- Media professionals are encouraged to prioritize human dignity and self-regulation.
