Ouahigouya: The Association of Bloggers of Burkina Faso (ABB), as part of the implementation of the project “Promotion of civic and digital education for a better expression of democracy and strengthening of social cohesion,” organized a panel on Sunday focused on tackling disinformation and promoting social cohesion.

According to Burkina Information Agency, around forty participants, including individuals involved in citizen monitoring, web activists, media professionals, and young people and women from peace promotion associations, were part of a capacity-building and awareness-raising session. The session addressed disinformation and the importance of maintaining social cohesion.

Honore Sawadogo, Secretary General of the Special Communal Delegation of Ouahigouya, officiated the opening ceremony and commended ABB for this beneficial initiative. He highlighted the detrimental impact of disinformation on social cohesion in the city of Naaba Kango.

Gabriel K. Kambou, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ABB, introduced the organization and its activities related to blogging and social media management before turning the floor over to the day’s two panelists. The first presentation, led by Police Lieutenant Julien L¨gma Napougma, focused on the Cyber Crime Brigade’s role in combating disinformation and hate speech in Burkina Faso.

The second presentation was delivered by Danioudou Kouda, a representative from the General Directorate of Religious Affairs. It discussed the contributions of women’s and religious youth associations in fostering social cohesion through digital platforms.

Participants appreciated the insights gained from the panel and underscored the necessity of training young people on non-violent communication to promote social cohesion and expedite the return to peace in Burkina Faso. They concluded the session with a commitment to uphold integrity online, pledging to be “vectors of peace” in the digital space.