Lesson from the case of the Murder of Norbert ZONGO On Saturday December 13, 1998, the bullet-ridden bodies of investigative journalist Norbert Zongo and three friends were found in Zongo's burned-out car outside the capital of Burkina Faso. Zongo, editor of the weekly L'Indépendant, was one of the best-known journalists in this landlocked, West African nation dubbed the "Land of Men with Integrity." He was assassinated on December 13, 1998, while investigating the biggest story at the time: a murder at the presidential palace and criminal allegations against the president's brother. Still now no brightness on this murder! But time will come soon.

1. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 1
TO SPEAK OR NOT TO
SPEAK
THAT’S THE QUESTION
“There is an appointed time for
everything. (…) A time to be silent and a
time to speak. A time to love, and a time
to hate; a time for war, and a time for
peace.”
-Qohelet

2. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 2
TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK THAT’S THE QUESTION
01- Sapouy December 13th
1998
Zongo refused to drop his pen in Burkina Faso
And Zongo was burnt to death
For the love of God, we want justice
“Press freedom begins with the right to live” Norbert Zongo

3. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 3
TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK
THAT’S THE QUESTION
Borry bana!
No more running!
BREAKING THE WAVES
“Trop c’est trop!” Pressure-
Cooker Syndrome? (Too much
is too much)

4. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 4
02- December 2000 in Koudougou
catholic radio contribution to
social peace.
TO SPEAK OR NOT TO SPEAK THAT’S THE QUESTION
Speaking timely and prophetically we can
decrease even stop violence escalation.

5. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 5
03- Groundwork for the national
forgiveness Day in Burkina Faso
March 30 2001. Episcopal
conference alerts the people.
“Forgiveness is the fruit of dialogue between people who first
listened to each other, and have taken note at the same time of
forgiveness object (offences’ consent) and parts concerned
intentions. Forgiveness could not be a simple political act; it must
be prepared and constant by an awakening and guaranteed by
a clearly expressed will of repair and justice. Without these
conditions, our people could engage in a procedure which is
likely to lead to forgiveness desacralization and a collective
imposture“.
Complicity or compromising?

6. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 6
“Without these conditions, our people could
engage in a procedure which is likely to lead to
forgiveness desacralization and a collective
imposture“. CEBN Message
A PARDON WITHOUT
JUSTICE NOR RECONCILIATION
"At this solemn moment,
in my position as
president of Burkina
Faso, I ask for forgiveness
and express deep regret
for torture, crimes,
injustices, bullying and
other wrongs"
President Compaoré

7. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 7
04- Lessons from these
situations: Speaking or not
speaking that’s the question?
“I don’t understand why
Zongo insisted on
talking about that case.
I had protected him in
the past, but now I
could do nothing more
for him”
Zongo’ friend?
Between the devil and the deep blue sea
Writers hide behind breaking news
Many have paid the price
Journalists are imprisoned
Journalists are killed
Those who speak for the downtrodden are
killed
That must stop
Alpha Blondy
Who's responsible? What's going to happen next?
When is that likely to happen again? Where..? Why wasn't anyone watching? How can
we prepare ourselves for the next time?

8. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 8
05- Method, process and
speculation about the topic
“speaking in a time of conflict or
tension”
How to restore or create
confidence?
3 obligations:
Don’t lie. Don’t try to hide the facts. Stick to
the facts.
5 C’s:
concern, clarity, control, confidence,
competence.
Confirmed facts always with 5 W’s:
Who, what, when, where, why, how?
So what? & How much?

9. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 9
So don’t only speak about peace and
love but always act peace and love!
Usiongee kuhusu Amani na Upendo ila
tudente Amani na Upendo. Asante
“I will walk before the LORD in
the land of the living.
I believed, therefore have I
spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
I said in my haste, all men are
liars.”
(Psalm (KJV) 116,10-11)

10. “speaking in a time of conflict or tension” - 03/18/15 9
So don’t only speak about peace and
love but always act peace and love!
Usiongee kuhusu Amani na Upendo ila
tudente Amani na Upendo. Asante
“I will walk before the LORD in
the land of the living.
I believed, therefore have I
spoken: I was greatly afflicted:
I said in my haste, all men are
liars.”
(Psalm (KJV) 116,10-11)