The rapid rise of digital misinformation and disinformation poses significant risks to regional stability, democratic processes, and social cohesion in West Africa. This briefing paper provides a a timely analysis of the current state of information integrity governance in West Africa and the Sahel region, focusing on the proliferation of digital misinformation and disinformation.
It highlights the unique challenges faced by the region’s diverse digital landscape and proposes a model policy framework that aligns with UNESCO’s Guidelines to address these challenges effectively while promoting responsible governance and social cohesion.
Key insights:
- The proposed framework outlined in this briefing paper aims to provide actionable recommendations for addressing the region’s information governance challenges.
- Through an analysis of existing international, continental, and regional policy instruments, the paper identifies gaps in governance, evaluates existing approaches, and proposes minimum requirements for platform governance during critical periods.
- The aim of this paper is to develop a context-appropriate information integrity framework tailored to the unique needs and challenges of the West African region, ensuring that digital platforms contribute positively to social cohesion and democratic processes, rather than undermining them.
- The evaluation also emphasises the importance of mitigating risks in digital communications, recognising that these risks, if unaddressed, can undermine the potential benefits of digital media in the region.
This briefing is essential reading for policymakers and regulators developing information integrity laws, civil society and advocacy groups working to protect digital rights, and researchers and journalists tracking misinformation trends across West Africa.
