The regional communication and media directorate of Boucle du Mouhoun, organized on Wednesday April 17, 2024 in Dédougou, the first session of the consultation framework for media actors in the region, under the theme: ‘Media and security and humanitarian crises: what resilience strategies for press actors in the Boucle du Mouhoun in the quest for information for populations and for participation in the process of returning peace to the region? »
The first session of the consultation framework for media actors in the Boucle du Mouhoun region was held on Wednesday April 17, 2024 in Dédougou.
Its objective is to create a framework for exchanges between local media actors with a view to generating reflections capable of making a diagnosis of the impact of insecurity on the exercise of the profession and posing strategies for resilience in the face of threat.
Specifically, the session should make it possible to develop reflection on the obstacles that the security crisis places on the exercise of the professi
on of journalism in the region in a particular way, to propose strategies for the resilience of the men and women of the regional media in with a view to increasing the adaptation capacities of actors in the face of the threat and finally, improving the participation of media actors in the process of building lasting peace.
For the Regional Director of Communication and Media of Boucle du Mouhoun, Yacouba Goro, the region is experiencing a humanitarian crisis caused by terrorist attacks causing many internally displaced people.
‘Efforts are being made both at the Government level but also on the side of technical and financial partners and media actors will also have to play their role in contributing to the effective management of this humanitarian crisis for a return to peace’ he said. he says.
According to the communicator, Issaka Zangré, the security and humanitarian crisis plaguing Burkina Faso has profoundly upset the socio-economic and political balance of the country.
‘This crisis is putting consi
derable pressure on all sectors, including the media. In this tumultuous context, press actors find themselves faced with unprecedented challenges, jeopardizing their ability to fulfill their information and awareness-raising mission,’ he said.
As for the impact of the crisis on media actors, Mr. Zangré said that journalists face increased risks due to insecurity, with direct threats to their physical security and difficulties in accessing affected areas. .
‘Also, financial and logistical constraints limit their ability to effectively cover events, while government pressure and the risks of censorship compromise their editorial independence and freedom of expression,’ said the communicator.
He also noted that the crisis in the Boucle du Mouhoun exacerbates already existing challenges for media actors, thus compromising their ability to fulfill their crucial role in society.
As resilience strategies, Issaka Zangré proposed strengthening the safety of journalists by inviting them to work in collaboration wi
th the competent authorities to put in place adequate security measures, such as training on journalist safety, use of protective equipment and awareness of the specific risks associated with conflict coverage.
He proposed diversifying information sources by establishing partnerships with local organizations, NGOs and civil society actors who can provide information on the ground.
Because, continued Mr. Zangré, this will allow the journalist to produce more complete and balanced reports despite the constraints. He invited participants to implement certain resilience strategies to continue providing information to populations.
‘It is important to emphasize that the implementation of these resilience strategies requires an environment conducive to press freedom, the protection of journalists and the guarantee of their independence. The support of the competent authorities and the solidarity of the journalistic community are also crucial for the success of these initiatives,’ he concluded.
Source: Burkina I
nformation Agency