The ECOWAS Commission has launched a two-day media training workshop focused on equipping journalists with tools to counter misinformation, fake news, and anti-democratic narratives across West Africa as a bold move to safeguard democratic values and strengthen information integrity in the region, the.
The training, held from October 13 to 14, 2025, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, was organized by the ECOWAS Directorate of Communication in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). It brought together media professionals from across Benin and neighboring ECOWAS member states to promote conflict-sensitive reporting, media literacy, and the responsible use of digital platforms.
A Media-Driven Vision for Peace and Democracy
Opening the event on behalf of ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Benin, Ambassador Amadou Diongue, underscored the media’s vital role in promoting peace, democracy, and regional integration.
“The media remains an essential partner in achieving the goals of ECOWAS Vision 2050 — which centers on building a fully integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa,” Ambassador Diongue said.
“By upholding information integrity, journalists become defenders of democracy, helping to counter misinformation and divisive narratives that threaten regional stability.”
Countering Disinformation in a Digital Age
The training comes at a time of increasing concern over the spread of disinformation, misinformation, and hate speech, especially during election cycles and political transitions. ECOWAS officials warned that unchecked fake news poses a direct threat to social cohesion and democratic governance.
“A free, responsible, and informed press is vital for sustainable peace and democracy in West Africa,” Diongue added. “This workshop is not just about fighting fake news — it’s about safeguarding truth and restoring public trust in journalism.”
Empowering Journalists with Skills to Identify and Counter Misinformation
The sessions featured hands-on training in fact-checking tools and techniques, Media and information literacy, conflict-sensitive journalism, detecting and debunking false narratives and promoting peace-oriented storytelling.
According to MFWA, the partnership with ECOWAS reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional resilience against information disorder and enhancing citizen access to accurate and credible information.
“In today’s digital era, misinformation spreads faster than truth,” a MFWA representative noted. “Journalists have a duty to filter facts from fiction and help citizens make informed decisions based on accurate reporting.”
Supporting ECOWAS Vision 2050: Building a United, Informed West Africa
The workshop directly supports ECOWAS Vision 2050, which advocates for an “inclusive community of people living in peace, prosperity, and dignity.” By focusing on the press, ECOWAS seeks to fortify democratic institutions from the ground up — starting with credible journalism and public trust.
“This initiative underscores ECOWAS’s belief that democracy cannot thrive without a free and responsible press,” Diongue said in his closing remarks.
“Empowered journalists will help us build an ECOWAS of the Peoples — one that stands for truth, justice, and regional solidarity.”
