Media: The image of Russia and Africa is often reduced to stereotypes (News agency boss) | BIA

2023-07-30 12:37:08

Burkina-Russia-Africa-Cooperation

Media: The image of Russia and Africa is often reduced to stereotypes (News agency boss)

Saint-Petersburg, July 29, 2023 (AIB)- The central director of the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP), Ms. Oumou Barry/Sana estimated Thursday in Saint-Petersburg (Russia), that the image of Russia and of Africa is often reduced to stereotypes.

“The image of Russia and Africa is often reduced to stereotypes and prejudices that do not reflect the reality of our nations,” said the central director of the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP), Ms. Oumou. Barry/Sana.

She was speaking on Thursday, July 27, 2023, in Saint Petersburg, Russia on the occasion of the 2nd media forum of leaders of Africa-Russia news agencies which was held on the sidelines of the 2nd Russia-Africa summit.

His presentation focused on the theme: “Russia-Africa: The fight against stereotypes – The role of the media in forming a positive image of the two blocs”.

From the outset, the boss of the AIP recalled that the media contribute to marking the process of socialization by the way in which they describe and interpret the events of public life.

“Therefore, they play a fundamental role in shaping public opinion and have the responsibility to contribute to better understanding and mutual appreciation between our two regions,” she continued.

According to Oumou Barry Sana, the African media, which for the most part do not have correspondents outside their countries, have resolved to inform their audiences on the basis of the news provided to them by the international media on both sides.

Indeed, according to her, the reports of certain media generally focus on political aspects, such as geopolitical tensions, conflicts and misery in all these forms.

“In this context and from this point of view, Russia is often perceived with a certain apprehension”, mentioned the central director of the AIP.

And to add that “preconceived conceptions about Russian politics, climate, culture and society can reinforce clichés and limit understanding of the ecosystem of this country. This can lead to a negative perception”.

According to Ms. Barry, as for Africa, it is often seen as a homogeneous continent plagued by poverty and instability.

“All in all, most of the media tends to focus on issues and conflicts, creating a distorted and negative image of our respective countries,” she explained.

She believes that “since it is in the minds that prejudice resides, the task of the media in the fight against this phenomenon will be easier if the leaders of the two regions encourage cultural and educational exchange”.

For Oumou Barry/Sana, the presence of international Russian or local press correspondents recruited by Russia in our countries would be an effective means of promoting mutual understanding between our societies and deconstructing pre-established ideas.

And to emphasize that all these elements can play a major role in the paradigm shift.

According to Ms. Barry, the media have a common responsibility to vigorously combat stereotypes and promote a positive image of Russia and Africa.

IPA Central Director Oumou Barry/Sana (2nd from left)

“The media have a major role to play in this process after the rulers. Together, by encouraging cultural exchange, education and economic cooperation, we can build a more realistic and balanced vision of our two regions, based on mutual understanding and respect,” she concluded.

Organized by TASS (Russian News Agency), the second Africa-Russia News Agency Leaders Media Forum was held from July 26-29, 2023, in St. Petersburg, on the sidelines of the 2nd Russia-Africa Summit.

The first forum of its kind took place in 2019 in Sochi, still in Russia.

A cooperation agreement has existed between the Ivorian Press Agency (AIP) and the Burkina Information Agency (AIB) for fifteen years.

The terms of the said convention were revisited and updated in 2021, when the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation (TAC) was held between Côte d’Ivoire and Burkina Faso.

Burkina Press Agency

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