Burkinabe journalists undergo mandatory military training
Over forty Burkinabe journalists, representing both public and private media outlets, have recently completed a military training program. The ruling junta describes this initiative as a «patriotic immersion,» which is now slated to become an annual requirement.
While the nation grapples with an ongoing conflict against jihadist groups – a context that saw a similar mandatory program for baccalaureate students last year – this latest measure has sparked considerable apprehension among press freedom advocates. Their concerns are amplified by previous instances where Burkinabe journalists were forcibly conscripted to fight, coupled with the significant government pressure exerted on the national press. The continued detention of Serge Oulon, two years after his abduction in Ouagadougou, serves as a stark reminder of these pressures.
This intensive training, spearheaded by the Ministry of Security, took place over one week at the Pabré Police Academy, located approximately twenty kilometers outside Ouagadougou. National television footage captured the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, addressing the journalists while clad in military fatigues and holding a rifle. He posed the question, «Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?» To this, the assembled journalists, standing at attention, responded in unison, «Affirmative!» The Minister further elaborated, stating, «A professional but unpatriotic journalist poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist who remains uncommitted is akin to a passive spectator during a period when the most significant chapters of their country’s history are being written.»
Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, offered his perspective, asserting that the training aims to «familiarize journalists with the operational realities and core values that consistently guide our defense and security forces.»
Nevertheless, this «patriotic immersion,» as the authorities term it, continues to deeply concern proponents of press freedom. Sadibou Marong, a prominent voice for media rights, articulated these worries, stating, «Journalists are not soldiers and should not be co-opted into serving as conduits for the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and carrying weapons.»
