Burkina Faso’s media professionals face compulsory military training

Over 40 Burkinabè journalists, representing both public and private media organizations, have recently completed a military training program. The ruling junta has framed this initiative as a “patriotic immersion,” declaring it will now be an annual requirement.

This new mandate has raised significant apprehension among press freedom advocates, especially given the country’s ongoing conflict against jihadist groups. While a similar compulsory program was introduced last year for baccalaureate students, extending it to journalists amplifies existing concerns. National media outlets already operate under intense government pressure, and there have been documented cases of journalists being forcibly conscripted for combat. The unresolved detention of Serge Oulon, who disappeared two years ago in Ouagadougou, further underscores these worries.

The training, a week-long event spearheaded by the Ministry of Security, took place at the Pabré Police Academy, located approximately 20 kilometers from Ouagadougou. Footage broadcast by national television depicted Pingdwendé Gilbert Ouédraogo, the Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, addressing the journalists. Dressed in camouflage and holding rifles, he posed the question: “Will you be patriotic and professional journalists?” The assembled media personnel, standing at attention, responded in unison: “Affirmative!” The Minister then elaborated, stating, “A professional journalist who is not patriotic poses a threat. A professional and patriotic journalist who remains uncommitted is akin to a passive spectator in a period where the most significant chapters of their nation’s history are being written.”

Lassina Traoré, the Director General of the Police Academy, explained that the training aimed to “familiarize [journalists] with the operational realities and core values that guide the daily activities of the defense and security forces.”

Despite the authorities’ characterization of this as “patriotic immersion,” the initiative continues to deeply concern defenders of press freedom. Sadibou Marong of Reporters Without Borders (RSF) articulated the sentiment, stating, “Journalists are not soldiers and must not be repurposed as instruments of the war effort, dressed in military uniforms and carrying weapons.”