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In a bold national move to stem the tide of online hate speech and religious extremism, nearly 250 imams and Islamic preachers gathered over the weekend for a two-day awareness workshop aimed at promoting responsible religious communication in the digital age.
The workshop, held Saturday and Sunday and organized by the Federation of Islamic Associations of Burkina Faso (FAIB), marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to combat the misuse of religious discourse online, an issue increasingly tied to violent extremism in the region.
We encourage Muslim youth to use social media responsibly and are committed to strengthening the ongoing training of imams and preachers on digital issues and religious communication,” FAIB stated on Facebook after the session.
A Code of Conduct for Digital Pulpits
During the event, preachers received a detailed guide on ethical public speaking, explicitly banning the use of Islamic rhetoric to incite violence, insult others, or undermine public stability. The new framework also outlines serious consequences for those who violate its principles, including disciplinary measures and potential preaching bans of up to two years, according to reporting by Radio France Internationale (RFI).
The initiative comes at a critical time. In October, a disturbing video surfaced showing a preacher calling on followers to attack another Muslim group. The video sparked widespread concern and prompted FAIB to issue a warning about the “emergence of dangerous deviations in religious discourse.”
Social Media: A Tool for Unity or Division?
With Africa’s digital population expanding rapidly, experts warn that social media’s influence is increasingly being exploited by violent actors. A recent UNDP report described social platforms as a “double-edged sword” in the region, providing both tools for positive engagement and opportunities for radicalization.
“Social media platforms can facilitate radicalisation by promoting content with emotional appeal that taps into the grievances of users and reinforces their frustrations,” the report notes.
This is particularly concerning in Burkina Faso, which has seen a 68% increase in terrorism-related fatalities, the highest in the world, according to UN statistics. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed highlighted in January that more than 6,000 deaths per year in the Sahel are now linked to terrorism, accounting for over half of global fatalities.
Looking Ahead: Religion as a Force for Peace
As Burkina Faso struggles with unprecedented levels of extremist violence, efforts like FAIB’s workshop signal a crucial pivot toward proactive community engagement. By equipping religious leaders with the tools to foster peace and counteract toxic narratives, authorities hope to shift the tide both online and offline.
The move has already generated cautious optimism.
“This training shows that the religious community can be part of the solution, not the problem,” said Dr. Salif Ouedraogo, a sociologist specializing in conflict prevention. “But it will take sustained commitment and enforcement to make a lasting impact.”
As the region continues to navigate the complex intersection of religion, technology, and security, Burkina Faso’s imams are positioning themselves not just as spiritual guides, but as defenders of peace and national stability in the digital era.
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