Ouagadougou: The Burkina Faso Information Agency (AIB), the Malian Press and Advertising Agency (AMAP), and the Niger Press Agency (ANP) have signed a partnership agreement and two bilateral agreements aimed at enhancing the exchange of information, content, and expertise within the Confederation of Sahel States (AES). This momentous event occurred on the sidelines of the 14th edition of the African Universities of Communication of Ouagadougou (UACO) under the guidance of the Burkinabe Ministry in charge of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the multilateral protocol commits the three agencies to collaborate closely in producing and sharing credible information that reflects the realities of the AES populace. Additionally, the AIB has concluded bilateral cooperation agreements with both AMAP and ANP to further bolster the exchange of editorial and technical content.
The Ministers of Communication from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger praised the initiative as a significant advancement in media cooperation that serves the people of the Sahel. They emphasized that this collaboration among national agencies is a strategic tool to combat disinformation and promote a narrative unique to the ESA countries.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Communication, Pingdwende Gilbert Ouedraogo, highlighted the establishment of formal organization milestones as a long-held dream that has now been realized. He called for unified efforts to counter disinformation and present an authentic representation of their societies to the world.
Minister Ouedraogo described the meeting as symbolic of a collective awakening in the Sahelian region, asserting its autonomy in shaping its narrative. He described this agreement as the beginning of a collective journey that brings hope to current and future generations. He also outlined the agreements’ role in transforming the three press agencies by enhancing content production, modernizing tools, developing continuing education programs, and building a Sahelian exchange network for professional solidarity.
“This initiative transcends mere information sharing,” stated Minister Ouedraogo, indicating a political commitment to establishing AES press agencies as champions of media sovereignty.
The general directors of the participating agencies reaffirmed their commitment to defending their countries’ information sovereignty, combatting disinformation, and contributing to social cohesion and stability in the sub-region. Participants in the protocol’s preparation called for the eventual creation of a Confederal Union of AES press agencies, potentially leading to a single confederal agency.
The agreement marks a significant step towards establishing a cooperative framework among AES press agencies to address information challenges and enhance media sovereignty in the three states. The day concluded with informal discussions between the heads of the Malian and Nigerien agencies and the AIB staff.