Koudougou: The Higher Council for Communication (CSC), in collaboration with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), organized a workshop from October 6 to 8, 2025, in Koudougou to enhance synergy between the media and the Defense and Security Forces (FDS).
According to Burkina Information Agency, the workshop gathered around forty participants, including journalists from cities such as Koudougou, Ouagadougou, Kaya, Fada, Ouahigouya, and Ziniare. Representatives of the Defense and Security Forces (FDS), leaders of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and religious and community leaders also participated, aiming to create a genuine space for dialogue and mutual understanding.
The event’s significance was underscored by the presence of local authorities, including the governor of the Nando region, Adama Jean Yves Bere, the high commissioner of Boulkiemde, Salimata Ouedraogo/Sanou, and the president of the special communal delegation of Koudougou, Amedee Pare. Their attendance highlighted the institutional importance of the initiative.
Following a similar session in Bobo-Dioulasso, the hosting of this workshop in Koudougou, known as the city of the Red Knight, illustrates the commitment to extend capacity building efforts nationwide. The workshop aimed to establish better synergy among those who inform, protect, and represent the community.
The workshop’s pedagogical approach featured five thematic modules designed to provide technical and strategic expertise to participants. These modules covered the legal and institutional framework for budgeting and managing defense budgets, the missions and constraints of the FDS in fighting terrorism, the Burkinabe Media Pact for communication in the war against terrorism, regulation of information during crises, and collaboration between security officials and journalists.
Dr. Tonssira Myriam Corine Sanou, an advisor to the CSC, delivered a powerful inaugural presentation titled “Media, FDS and CSOs: security issues, synergy of actions in prevention, processing of information in times of crisis and promotion of peace.” Her presentation established the foundation for discussions, emphasizing the need for concerted and responsible action for stability and peace in Burkina Faso.
The workshop was chaired by the President of the Higher Council for Communication (CSC), Wendingoudi Louis Ouedraogo. The closing ceremony featured the presentation of certificates to participants, who made recommendations to further strengthen the synergy between the media and the FDS.