On October 27, 2026, the opening ceremony of a training workshop for Muslim communicators was held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The workshop, initiated by the Djama beog nere project, aims to equip communicators from Islamic structures with the skills to navigate social media effectively. The two-day training, themed "Strengthening Social Cohesion and Coexistence within the Muslim Community," seeks to promote peace, social cohesion, and coexistence.
The Djama beog nere project, which focuses on promoting peace, social cohesion, and coexistence, is being implemented by the Centre for Research and Action on Peace and Stability (CERFI). The project's coordinator, Dr. Kadré Sawadogo, stated that the workshop aims to sensitize and equip Muslim communicators to be agents of peace and social cohesion. He emphasized the importance of responsible communication, particularly in the current context of Burkina Faso.
The training workshop will cover various topics, including the legal framework governing communication, electronic communication on social media, and techniques for promoting social cohesion. Dr. Sawadogo highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges of divergent opinions and doctrines within the Muslim community. The workshop aims to provide participants with the skills to structure their communication effectively and guide preachers and Islamic message bearers.
The organizers of the workshop have high expectations for the participants, including improved communication strategies and more structured discourse. Dr. Sawadogo emphasized the need for participants to consider the current context and challenges of digital communication. The workshop is expected to empower Muslim communicators to play a positive role in promoting social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
Fousséni Kindo, representing the Autorité des Régulations des Communications et des Traitements des Données Personnelles (ARCODE), praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of responsible social media usage. He noted that social media can be a powerful tool, but it requires careful handling to avoid causing harm. Kindo emphasized the need for participants to verify information before sharing and to promote a culture of respect and dignity.
Kindo also stressed the importance of ethics in social media usage and highlighted the regulatory framework governing social media in Burkina Faso. He encouraged participants to adopt best practices, including verifying information, correcting errors, and avoiding divisive content. The workshop aims to provide participants with the skills to navigate social media responsibly and promote a culture of peace and social cohesion.
The training workshop is seen as a timely initiative that responds to the urgent need for responsible social media usage. The participants are expected to return to their communities equipped with the skills to promote social cohesion, peaceful coexistence, and responsible communication. The workshop is a collaborative effort between the CERFI and other stakeholders to promote peace and stability in Burkina Faso.
Key points
- The workshop aims to equip Muslim communicators with the skills to navigate social media effectively and promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.
- The training covers topics such as the legal framework governing communication, electronic communication on social media, and techniques for promoting social cohesion.
- The organizers expect participants to improve their communication strategies and promote a culture of respect and dignity.
