In response to the increasing spread of disinformation in Burkinabe digital spaces, the National Center for the Coordination of the Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CN-CMAPR), in collaboration with the NGO Search For Common Ground (SFCG), held an awareness-raising workshop for community leaders and journalists on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Bobo-Dioulasso.
Captain Franck Sarambé, representing the Permanent Secretary of the National Center for the Coordination of the Early Warning and Response Mechanism (CN-CMAPR), stated that this gathering is part of the government’s initiative to prevent and counter digital threats that compromise the country’s social cohesion and stability.
“Disinformation has become a significant problem that erodes citizens’ trust in institutions and weakens our social fabric. Therefore, it is crucial to equip field actors with the necessary tools to recognize and effectively combat this issue,” he explained.
He noted that with the rise of artificial intelligence, the possibilities are endless, and the public must remain cautious regarding certain manipulations that may appear very convincing. “With artificial intelligence, one can now alter a person’s voice as desired. It is also possible to create misleading video edits solely with the intent to cause harm.
Therefore, it is essential for people to stay vigilant and always verify the credibility of information before sharing it,” he emphasized. He believes that only through such vigilance can Burkinabè significantly reduce the spread of disinformation.
Abraham Somdo, the Secretary General of the Hauts-Bassins region, praised the initiative. “Unfortunately, disinformation is rapidly proliferating, particularly on social media, causing significant tension within our communities and impacting national cohesion. This workshop is timely, as it provides an opportunity to better understand these issues and develop the appropriate responses to address them,” he explained.
The workshop was attended by various journalists and civil society organizations. Serge Sansan Hien, a member of the Faso Dèmè Coalition, emphasized the need for greater involvement of civil society in these efforts. “We play a crucial role in raising awareness, identifying sources of misinformation, and alerting the authorities. It is a collective battle that must be fought by public authorities, civil society, and citizens alike to maintain our country’s peace and stability,” he stated.
By the end of the workshop, participants gained new knowledge and skills to better identify and address disinformation within their communities.
For context, the CN-CMAPR, established in 2018, serves as a decision-making tool for human security and peace promotion and operates directly under the Prime Minister’s Office.
