In Burkina Faso, more than 40 journalists recently attended a compulsory “patriotism” training program organized by the country’s authoritarian ruling junta. This initiative occurs against the backdrop of ongoing deadly violence over the past decade perpetrated by jihadist groups associated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State.
Following Captain Ibrahim Traore’s ascent to power via a coup in 2022, the military-led government mandated an annual “patriotic immersion” for both public and private media outlets. Sadibou Marong, who serves as the sub-Saharan Africa bureau director at Reporters Without Borders, voiced serious concerns about this move, labeling it a major danger to press freedom. Marong emphasized that journalists should not be transformed into arms of military initiatives or provided with uniforms and weapons.
Since last year, high-school students in Burkina Faso preparing for their final exams have undergone similar training. Traore’s government has introduced policies emphasizing domestic priorities and fostering anti-Western sentiments, with the goal of reinstating national sovereignty.
Several media organizations have been suspended, and multiple journalists opposing the junta have allegedly been forcibly conscripted and dispatched to conflict areas. The security ministry organized a training course for these journalists at a police academy near Ouagadougou. Among the 44 participants were both men and women, with the instruction lasting six days.
A video shared on social media by RTB public television showed Communication Minister Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo addressing journalists, who were dressed in military uniforms and holding rifles. “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” he asked, prompting a loud “Affirmative” from the group. As the government spokesperson, Ouedraogo stressed that journalists without patriotism can endanger their country.
