The three-day conference, taking place in Praia brought together policymakers, journalists, civil society actors, and development partners to discuss strategies for safeguarding information integrity.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional and international partnerships to combat the spread of misinformation and disinformation across West Africa and the Sahel.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, Mines, Water Resources and Digital Economy, Mr. Sediko Douka, who represented the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, said the Commission is prioritizing coordinated action against the dangers posed by harmful and anti-democratic narratives.
“The rise of mis- and disinformation threatens not just public trust but also the democratic values and stability of our region,” Douka stated. “ECOWAS is determined to work with governments, media, civil society, and international partners to build resilience within our information ecosystem.”
The three-day conference, taking place in Praia brought together policymakers, journalists, civil society actors, and development partners to discuss strategies for safeguarding information integrity.
As part of its contribution, ECOWAS highlighted its ongoing initiatives and proposals, including:
developing a harmonized policy framework for information integrity in West Africa and the Sahel.
examining the impact of Artificial Intelligence on elections and democratic processes in the region.
engaging media, traditional, and religious leaders as critical players in countering disinformation.
establishing a Regional Observatory on Disinformation, designed to serve as a coordinated monitoring and response mechanism.
Douka stressed that collective responsibility is crucial in addressing the challenge.
“No single government or institution can tackle this problem alone. It requires a shared vision, strategic engagement, and constant vigilance,” he emphasized.
Participants at the conference are expected to issue a joint communiqué with recommendations to enhance trust, accountability, and cooperation in managing disinformation threats across the region.
