Some individuals knowingly disseminate content they understand to be false. This constitutes disinformation, which involves the deliberate fabrication and distribution of falsehoods with the intent to deceive. Conversely, others share inaccurate information out of ignorance—an innocent mistake, absent of any malicious intent. In such cases, we refer to misinformation. According to Ireton and Posetti (2018, p.24), the manipulation of information is a historical phenomenon, yet one that has been significantly amplified by modern technologies.

This virus even affects individuals without internet access, through word-of-mouth communication. This phenomenon is also prevalent in Francophone West Africa, a region shaken by coups d’État. Notable examples include Burkina-Faso, Niger, Guinea, and Mali. In Niger, following the 2023 coup, false information was circulated online, contributing to heightened tensions. Similarly, in Burkina Faso, disinformation has been spreading in the context of the coup since 2022.

The surge in the use of social media across West African countries has brought with it various forms of misuse, including the proliferation of false information and hate speech—both of which are undermining the fabric of West African societies and states. According to Abdoulaye Guindo, head of the Benbere platform in Mali, which works to combat misinformation, these dynamics are deeply destabilizing.

Disinformation Can Cause Severe Harm

In 2021, disinformation sparked clashes in several districts of Abidjan between Ivorian citizens and Nigerien nationals. A video circulating at the time depicted individuals tied up and beaten with sticks, falsely described as Ivorians residing in Niger. This false narrative led to physical assaults and even fatalities.

In reality, the footage had been filmed in Nigeria and showed members of the Boko Haram sect being apprehended by soldiers involved in Operation Safe Haven. Although the authorities managed to restore calm, the damage was irreversible. This case is just one among many that illustrates the far-reaching consequences of disinformation.

Tips for combating disinformation

1) Introduction to Fact-Checking: Fact-checking is a verification practice aimed at determining the accuracy or inaccuracy of information often already circulating in the public domain:

a) Verify the source of the information: The source may be a parody or satire account, with no intention of providing factual information. This underscores the importance of assessing the reliability and reputation of the source.

b) Develop Critical Thinking Skills: Engage in a thorough and analytical review of content. Some materials may be generated by artificial intelligence (AI). When dealing with images, for instance, closely examine the smallest details—you may notice inconsistencies. Some documents may also contain forged signatures;

c) Contextualise the information: Information may be authentic but shared with misleading captions. A case in point is the example previously mentioned concerning Côte d’Ivoire. Providing context helps prevent misinterpretations. Tools such as (Google Reverse Image Search, Yandex, InVID, and TinEye can be useful in this regard);

d) Differentiate between fact and opinion: A fact is verifiable and evidence-based. In many instances, opinions have been mistaken for facts, leading to harmful consequences within communities. Understanding the distinction between the two helps prevent misjudgements. As Daniel Patrick Moynihan, cited by Ireton and Posetti (2018, p.96), aptly stated: "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts."

2) Foster Collaborative Partnerships: Civil society organisations can work hand in hand with media outlets specialising in fact-checking. This includes reporting suspicious content and ensuring that verification outcomes are made accessible to the wider public, while also diversifying the languages used to reach all segments of the population affected by this phenomenon.

In this context, Facebook opted to partner with media organisations certified by the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), with the aim of detecting viral disinformation circulating on social media platforms.

3) Media Literacy Education: Raise public awareness on proactive verification, encouraging individuals to approach information critically rather than accepting it at face value.

4) Establishing Sanctions and Legal Frameworks: Civil society organisations can advocate for governments to adopt legislation that penalises individuals responsible for spreading false information.

Arsène Assogba, a fact-checking trainer based in Conakry, has been combating disinformation on social media across West Africa for the past four years. He believes that misinformation and disinformation have declined in Francophone West Africa, in part due to the implementation of sanctions in several countries targeting purveyors of false content.

In Burkina Faso, there have already been instances of individuals being arrested for disseminating false information, according to Ange Lévi Jordan of FasoCheck a committed actor in the fight against disinformation.

5) Exercise Caution Before Sharing: Individuals should learn to assess the potential damage an information item could cause before sharing it, as well as the broader consequences it might entail. If the content turns out to be false, will I be able to rectify the situation? How many people might I mislead? These reflective questions can help reduce the spread of false information.

Both the person who shares content with malicious intent and the one who amplifies it out of negligence or ignorance contribute to the propagation of harmful rumours.

These non-exhaustive tips are designed to promote accuracy, truthfulness, transparency, and factual integrity in the handling of information—making individuals less vulnerable to the pitfalls of disinformation and misinformation.

Author: Ruth KUTEMBA

List of References

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