An honorary distinction for FOMECAF

Our colleague Abdou Karim Sawadogo has just been honored: he is one of the winners of the 2024 Galian Prize, which recognizes the best journalistic works of the past year in Burkina Faso. Abdou Karim Sawadogo received the United Nations System Prize for his reports on displaced persons. The official awards ceremony, also known as the Nuit des Galian, was held on Friday, June 14, 2024, in Ouagadougou, where he was presented with the prize worth 1 million CFA francs.

"It is with humility that I accept this award," said Sawadogo. "Who am I to deserve such an honor? I have nothing that I have not received from the Lord. Since the assassination of Pastor Pierre Ouédraogo and several of his followers on Sunday, April 28, 2019, in Silgadji, in the northeast of the country, I have understood that a turning point has been reached in the security crisis that is shaking our country. I then began to put my pen to work in the search for solutions. FOMECAF's communications have particularly reinforced in me the sense of social responsibility of the journalist and the quest for excellence. Thus, my reports have focused on the impact of this crisis, highlighting the fragility of internally displaced persons. This award gives me additional motivation to persevere in my commitment, and I hope that my country will find peace again. I would like to express my gratitude to the people at FOMECAF for their guidance and inspiration."

"Since the assassination of Pastor Pierre Ouédraogo and several of his followers on Sunday, April 28, 2019, in Silgadji, in the northeast of the country, I have understood that a turning point has been reached in the security crisis that is shaking our country."

Abdou Karim Sawadogo

Honored with the United Nations Award

According to the United Nations, "Abdou Karim Sawadogo has earned great merit in promoting resilience, stabilization, and female entrepreneurship." Now in its 27th year,the Galian Prize celebrates excellence in journalism and communication in Burkina Faso. A total of 140 journalistic works competed in this year's edition.

Sawadogo, who distinguished himself through his leadership and organizational skills during the decentralized session of FOMECAF – Ouaga 2023, is no stranger to this field. In March 2024, he received second prize from the Red Cross for his outstanding reporting on the humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso. In 2018, he had already received international recognition for his article on integrated water resource management in Burkina Faso during Stockholm World Water Weekin Sweden.

Other winners

In addition to Abdou Karim Sawadogo, other winners were honored at the 27th Galian Awards. Here are some of the winners:

1. JournalistAkim Ky won the Maison de l'entreprise special prize for his work entitled " Saagga ou la pluie: Ce système de distribution intelligente et rationnelle de l'eau " (Saagga or rain: This intelligent and rational water distribution system).
2. Willy SAGBE, also a journalist, received the World Health Organization (WHO) Special Prize for his work " Fighting dengue fever: Self-medication, unsanitary conditions, and misinformation—other evils to be combated! "

In total, in its 13 years of existence, the online media outlet Burkina 24 has won a total of 16 Galian awards, including both official and special prizes. This ceremony also marked the launch of Galian Kids, in partnership with UNICEF, to discover journalistic talent among schoolchildren in Burkina Faso.

About FOMECAF

The Forum des Médias Chrétiens d’Afrique Francophone (FOMECAF) is an initiative led by the Association Médias Ebène that aims to equip Christian radio broadcasters in French-speaking countries. Its goal is to promote a new level of excellence in broadcasting and to foster peace in a world torn by conflict. FOMECAF organizes training sessions and brings together Christian media professionals to exchange ideas, share knowledge, and strengthen their impact. It is an important platform for collaboration and continuous improvement of Christian media in French-speaking Africa.