Forum addressing the challenges posed by fake news in Burkina Faso

The French ambassador to Burkina Faso, the President of the High Council for Communication (CSC) and the President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) made introductory speeches during the forum's opening ceremony.

This event marks the launch of the Burkina Faso arm of the Verifox Africa project, financed and implemented by CFI in collaboration with the France 24 Observers and UNALFA, which aims to boost the ability of journalists in Burkina Faso, Benin and Côte d'Ivoire to combat the propagation of fake news, particularly during the electoral period.

Politics against a backdrop of fake news

During three days of well-attended talks, the persons present – media, influencers, civil society leaders and experts – discussed the topics of:
- "politics against a backdrop of fake news",
- "chasing a scoop – a source of fake news?",
- "are the GAFAs enemies or allies when it comes to the truth?"
- and even "Fact checking, not just the responsibility of journalists".

The participants stated that they were extremely satisfied with the speeches and the interactive format, which allowed for quality discussions.