Historically, during the colonial period, information dissemination was tightly controlled by the established powers, aiming to either undermine dominant narratives or support political struggles. This legacy persists today, fostering parallel communication channels that contribute to two distinct disinformation ecosystems: Anglophone East Africa and Francophone West Africa. This article examines the mechanisms through which false information spreads, its consequences, the digital safety measures needed, and efforts being made to combat it in Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali.
Mechanisms of Spread
Social Media Platforms
In Francophone West Africa, misinformation often arises from limited access to reliable information sources. Social media platforms, such as Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter (Now X), play a crucial role in amplifying false narratives due to a high reliance on social media as the primary news source. This makes them susceptible to misinformation due to the alarming surge in disinformation campaigns on social media seeking to manipulate information systems. (Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2023). Unlike traditional news outlets, social media platforms often lack rigorous editorial standards, leading to the widespread dissemination of unverified information. Also, the algorithms used by social media platforms prioritize engagement, often promoting sensational content that can include false information, and this could exacerbate the reach and impact. These platforms can create echo chambers where users are exposed predominantly to information that aligns with preexisting beliefs. This environment can amplify false narratives and reduce the likelihood of encountering correct information.
Cultural
Oral traditions are a fundamental aspect of communication where information is often transmitted verbally through community leaders, griots (traditional storytellers) and peer networks. This reliance on oral transmission can lead to the rapid spread of rumors and unverified information. Also, due to historical mistrust of official channels and institutions, people trust some informal networks such as family, friends and local community figures for information. These networks may not always verify the accuracy of the information they share. In general, cultural beliefs significantly influence the spread of unverified information. For instance, rumors about health crises, such as the Ebola outbreak, were rampant in Mali and Senegal, leading to widespread panic and misguided preventive measures.
Socio-political
Political instability and ethnic tensions characterize the socio-political landscape which provides fertile grounds for disinformation. Thus, political actors and interest groups deliberately create and disseminate disinformation to manipulate public opinion, discredit opponents and rally support, especially during elections. Here, coordinated campaigns are promoted with fake accounts or bots.
Psychological Mechanism
Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, play a role in spreading misinformation as people as more likely to believe and share information that aligns with their views.
Case studies
1. Senegal: During the 2019 presidential elections, Senegal witnessed widespread circulation of false information about candidates and voting procedures. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp were primary sources of this misinformation. Africtivistes, a pan-African network of cyber-activists, highlighted the role of fake news in shaping political discourse, emphasizing the need for better digital literacy and fact-checking initiatives.
2. Côte d’Ivoire: The country has experienced several notable incidents of misinformation and disinformation in recent years, particularly around political events and health crises. According to the National Democratic Institute (2021), there was a significant increase in campaigns related to false accusations of electoral fraud and gender-based insults directed at female politicians during the lead-up to the October 2020 presidential elections. Also, the COVID-19 pandemic provided fertile grounds for anti-vaccine and false information about the virus on WhatsApp and Telegram which had the effect of complicating public health efforts. (Internews, 2022).
3. Burkina Faso: In Burkina Faso, both political groups and armed factions use disinformation to destabilize the region. ((Africa Center for Strategic Studies, 2023). The "FasoCheck" platform, launched by local journalists, aims to fact-check news stories and educate the public on identifying false information. Despite these efforts, the limited internet penetration and low literacy rates remain significant challenges in curbing the spread of disinformation.
4. Mali: Conflicts in Mali have made it a hotspot for disinformation. Armed groups use social media to spread propaganda and recruit members, while misinformation about the conflict exacerbates ethnic tensions. Initiatives like the "Benbere" project work to counteract false narratives by promoting peace and providing factual reporting. These efforts highlight the importance of local initiatives in addressing misinformation and fostering social cohesion.
Consequences of misinformation and disinformation
• Social Impact
Misinformation and disinformation undermine social cohesion by fostering distrust among communities. In Côte d'Ivoire, false information about election outcomes led to violent clashes in 2020, resulting in over 85 deaths and hundreds of injuries (Human Rights Watch, 2021). Such incidents highlight the fragility of social structures in the face of disinformation campaigns.
• Political Impact
Disinformation is often used as a tool for political manipulation. In Burkina Faso, the spread of false information during the 2020 elections aimed to discredit political opponents and influence voter behavior. According to the National Democratic Institute (2021), 30% of the electoral-related content on social media was identified as false or misleading.
• Economic Impact
The economic repercussions of misinformation are equally significant. False information about economic policies or market conditions can lead to financial instability. For example, misinformation about agricultural prices in Senegal led to market distortions, affecting farmers' incomes and food security (Food and Agriculture Organisation, 2022).
Safety measures to combat misinformation and disinformation
1. Enhancing Digital Literacy
One of the most effective ways to combat misinformation is by enhancing digital literacy. Governments and educational institutions in Francophone West Africa need to incorporate digital literacy into their curricula. Programs that teach critical thinking, source verification and the responsible use of social media can help citizens better navigate the digital landscape. For instance, in Mali, the government has collaborated with international organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and UNESCO to launch digital literacy campaigns, reaching over 200,000 people in 2023 (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, 2023).
2. Strengthening Content Moderation
Social media platforms must improve content moderation, particularly in local languages and dialects. Automated systems and AI-driven tools can help identify and flag false information, but human oversight is crucial for context-specific accuracy. Partnerships between tech companies and local organizations can enhance the effectiveness of these measures. Facebook's collaboration with Africa Check in Côte d'Ivoire, for instance, has led to the removal of thousands of misleading posts (Facebook, 2023).
3. Implementing Legal and Regulatory Frameworks
Robust legal and regulatory frameworks are essential for holding perpetrators of disinformation accountable. Governments should develop and enforce laws that address the creation and dissemination of false information. In Burkina Faso, the government engaged in the digital modernization of the country by creating and implementing two strategies: a national strategy for the development of the digital economy 2018-2027 and a National Cybersecurity Strategy 2019 – 2023, that contains within its framework a strategy on cybercrime (Council of Europe). However, enforcement remains a challenge, requiring additional resources and training for law enforcement agencies.
4. Promoting Collaboration and Information Sharing
A coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach is crucial in combating misinformation. Governments, civil society organizations, and tech companies should work together to share information and best practices. Regional collaborations, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), can facilitate joint efforts to tackle misinformation.
5. Utilizing Fact-Checking Initiatives
Fact-checking initiatives play a vital role in verifying information and debunking false narratives. In Côte d'Ivoire, the fact-checking platform "Les Observateurs" has been instrumental in providing accurate information to the public. By engaging citizens in the fact-checking process, these initiatives foster a culture of critical thinking and skepticism towards unverified information. "FasoCheck" in Burkina Faso has similarly succeeded in verifying claims related to COVID-19, reaching over one million people with accurate information (Africa Check, 2023).
Challenges
Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Limited digital infrastructure, inadequate content moderation technologies and weak legal frameworks hinder the effective combat of misinformation. Additionally, the pervasive nature of social media makes it difficult to control the spread of false information entirely. It is worth noting that the global tech platforms have limited regulatory presence in many West African countries. Thus, these platforms fail to effectively moderate content or implement their standards (Centre for Strategic and International Studies, 2022).
Recommendations
To address these challenges, there is a need to promote media and information literacy. Also, civil society actors should contribute to the education of social media users by making them aware of the harmful effects of electoral disinformation in a democratic society. Governments should consider punitive measures to protect women in politics who could be the target of disinformation campaigns on social media platforms. Moreover, there is a need for social media platforms to improve content moderation, particularly in local languages. Finally, increased collaboration between governments, tech companies and civil society organizations is crucial.
Conclusion
Misinformation and disinformation present formidable challenges in Francophone West Africa, impacting social cohesion, political stability and economic growth. While various efforts are underway to combat these issues, a more comprehensive and coordinated approach is required. By enhancing digital literacy, strengthening legal frameworks and fostering international collaborations, the region can better protect the integrity of information and ensure a more informed public.
References
- Africa Center for Strategic Studies (2023), Mapping a Surge of Disinformation in Africa available at https://africacenter.org/spotlight/mapping-a-surge-of-disinformation-in-africa/
- Africa Check. (2023). Fact-Checking Initiatives in West Africa
- Africtivistes (2023). Strengthening Senegalese democracy through digital innovation and the quality of information available at https://africtivistes.com/en/strengthening-senegalese-democracy-through-digital-innovation-and-the-quality-of-information/
- Afrobarometer (2022). Public Opinion on Health and Conspiracy Theories in West Africa
- Benbere - Countering False Narratives in Mali
- Center for Strategic and International Studies (2022) Disinformation is Undermining Democracy in West Africa available at https://www.cigionline.org/articles/disinformation-is-undermining-democracy-in-west-africa/
- FAO (2022). Market Distortions and Agricultural Prices in Senegal
- FasoCheck - Fact-Checking Platform in Burkina Faso
- France 24 - ‘Les Observateurs’ Project
- Human Rights Watch (2021). Côte d'Ivoire Election Violence.
- Internews (2022), In Côte D’Ivoire, We Raise the Red Card to Fight Online Hate Speech available at https://internews.org/story/in-cote-divoire-we-raise-the-red-card-to-fight-online-hate-speech/
- National Democratic Institute, (2021) Cote d’Ivoire Disinformation Case Study
- National Democratic Institute (2021). Disinformation in Burkina Faso Elections
- Reporters Without Borders. (2023)
- UNESCO. (2022). Media Literacy Programs in Mali
Background illustration: Generated by the author using the Microsoft Co-Pilot AI tool.
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