The 15th edition of the African Universities of Communication in Ouagadougou (UACO) held its second panel on October 7, 2026, at the University of Joseph-Ki-Zerbo. The panel, moderated by Fousseni Kindo, focused on the challenges of information and communication in times of war. Several presentations were delivered, including two on the attitudes and competencies of information actors in situations of communication warfare and the role of language in the fight against terrorism.
Sahal Zongo, a master's student in communication, presented a paper titled "The Attitudes and Competencies of Information and Communication Actors in Situations of Communication Warfare." He emphasized the responsibility of information actors, who can influence how events are understood by the public. Zongo advised media professionals to be cautious and verify information before dissemination, especially in situations where information circulates rapidly. He also called on information actors to resist pressure and prioritize integrity, loyalty, and collective interest.
According to Sahal Zongo, the sovereignty of information does not solely depend on mastering technology, but also on the responsibility of those who produce, control, and disseminate information. He stressed that a widely shared piece of information is not necessarily true. Zongo's presentation aimed to raise awareness among information actors about their role in shaping public perception and understanding of events.
Dr. Noindonmon Alain Hien, a researcher at the University of Bernard Ledéa Ouédraogo, presented a paper on "What Language for Communication in the Fight Against Terrorism?" His presentation examined the role of language in the fight against violent extremism in Burkina Faso and other countries of the Sahel region. Dr. Hien analyzed publications on social media and national and foreign media content to understand how terrorism is presented and perceived.
Dr. Hien's analysis revealed that terrorism is not presented uniformly, and the language used varies depending on the actors and communication spaces. He emphasized the importance of analyzing discourses around terrorism to understand the communication strategies of terrorist groups and adapt responses accordingly. Dr. Hien's presentation highlighted the need for a nuanced approach to communication in the fight against terrorism.
The presentations at the UACO 2026 panel highlighted the critical role of information and language in communication warfare. The discussions underscored the need for media professionals and information actors to be aware of their responsibilities and the potential impact of their work on public perception and understanding of events. The panel also emphasized the importance of verifying information and resisting pressure to maintain integrity and credibility.
The 15th edition of the African Universities of Communication in Ouagadougou (UACO) provided a platform for experts and researchers to share their insights and perspectives on the challenges of information and communication in times of war. The discussions and presentations aimed to promote a better understanding of the complex issues surrounding communication warfare and the role of information and language in this context.
Key points
- The UACO 2026 panel discussed the role of information and language in communication warfare, highlighting the responsibility of information actors and the need for a nuanced approach to communication in the fight against terrorism.
