La désinformation médiatique, une menace appelant à une réponse continentale urgente
Title: Tackling Media Disinformation in Africa: Calls for Urgent Action from CISSA Leadership
On a recent Sunday in Algiers, General Etienne Madama Mahoundi, President of the African Committee on Intelligence and Security Services (CISSA), addressed the alarming challenges posed by misinformation and fake news to the stability of African nations. Speaking through a representative at the opening of a regional workshop organized by the CISSA liaison office for North Africa, Mahoundi emphasized the necessity for an urgent continental response to combat these threats.
In his address, Mahoundi explained that misinformation poses severe risks to the national security of African states—risks that have been exacerbated by rapid advancements in communication technologies that have transformed traditional security challenges into cross-border dilemmas. He expressed hope that the discussions at the workshop would yield actionable recommendations aimed at fostering sustainable peace and security across Africa.
Echoing Mahoundi’s sentiments, Bankole Adeoye, the African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, highlighted Algeria’s significant role in the fight against terrorism and extremism. He commended Algeria for its unwavering commitment to promoting peace and stability on the continent. The organization of the workshop in Algeria was cited as a recognition of the country’s influence as a stabilizing force within the region and Africa as a whole.
Adeoye pointed out that disinformation has evolved into a potent weapon that exacerbates conflicts, weakens social cohesion, and threatens national stability. He urged for collective action and unity among African nations to combat the spread of fake news. As technology advances, new challenges emerge, making the fight against misinformation not just necessary, but a strategic priority to preserve peace and security in Africa.
Concluding his remarks, Adeoye expressed gratitude to Algeria and President Abdelmadjid Tebboune for the successful organization of the workshop, hoping it would meet its intended goals.
In a related discussion, Hassan Rashad, CISSA Vice President for North Africa, focused on the accelerated development of information and communication technologies (ICT). He stated that this advancement has unwittingly facilitated the dissemination of misinformation and fake news, which are increasingly employed as tools to undermine societies, destabilize nations, distort facts, and incite conflicts. Rashad noted that modern warfare—often referred to as fourth- and fifth-generation warfare—relies heavily on the spread of rumors and the undermining of state institutions, which erode public trust and foster division among citizens.
Rashad remarked that the dangers posed by misinformation are akin to those of terrorism, often creating fertile ground for its emergence. He advocated for a comprehensive and sincere collaboration among African nations to develop an integrated system to combat digital disinformation while safeguarding each state’s security and stability.
This workshop represents a concerted effort by African leaders and security experts to confront the burgeoning issue of fabricated news that is increasingly shaping perceptions and realities within the continent. By fostering dialogue and collaboration amongst nations, CISSA aims to address these pressing challenges proactively, ensuring a more secure and stable future for Africa.
In summary, the gathering in Algiers marks a significant step toward fostering collective responses to the threats of disinformation and fake news in Africa. Leaders from various countries recognized the urgency of addressing these issues, drawing parallels between misinformation and terrorism, and called for urgent cooperation among states to implement effective strategies aimed at building resilience against such challenges while promoting lasting peace and stability across the African continent.
