ECOWAS Trains Journalists to Combat Misinformation, Uphold Information Integrity and Democracy in W/ Africa.
By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has organized a two-day training for journalists to strengthen their capacity in countering misinformation, disinformation, and anti-democratic narratives across the region.
The two day training aimed at promoting ethical journalism and information integrity, is a crucial step toward safeguarding democracy and ensuring regional stability.
H.E Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the importance of modern technological tools for journalists in identifying and combating harmful narratives. Touray, who was represented by Abdou Kolley, the Chief of Staff and Director of Cabinet in his office, stated that the training would empower journalists with practical skills to analyze the actors behind misleading information and develop strategies to counter them.
“Through this training initiative, we aim to equip journalists with the necessary tools to identify and counter anti-democratic narratives, combat disinformation, and uphold ethical journalism,” said Touray.
He also highlighted the importance of advanced fact-checking methodologies, open-source intelligence tools, and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance investigative journalism and strengthen the fight against human rights violations.
Touray further urged the participants to leverage their new skills to foster media literacy, promoting responsible information sharing and collaboration among journalists, the ECOWAS Commission, and other stakeholders to bolster democracy, good governance, and sustainable development.
Echoing Touray’s sentiments, Mr. Matthias Dold, Political Counselor at the German Embassy in Abuja, stressed the shared challenges of misinformation and disinformation that both West Africa and Europe face. He underscored the potential dangers of these issues, particularly when they lead to discrimination, hate, or violence, and reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS’s efforts in tackling these threats.
“The media plays a pivotal role in promoting peace and stability,” Dold said. “Together, we can prevent the negative impacts of misinformation and ensure an open and responsible information sphere.”
Dr. Kojo Impraim of the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) also emphasized the critical role media plays in shaping public opinion and its increasing involvement in the spread of misinformation. He noted that the prevalence of election-related misinformation in the region has exacerbated the challenges to peace and democracy. “The media must confront this issue head-on and become a responsible actor in promoting accurate, truthful reporting,” Impraim asserted.
This training, which was organized by ECOWAS in partnership with the German development agency GIZ, the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), is just the beginning of a series of initiatives aimed at addressing misinformation in the region. Over the course of two days more than, 40 journalists from various sectors, including broadcast, print, and online media, will be equipped with the necessary tools to confront these critical challenges.
As the ECOWAS Commission continues its efforts to strengthen democratic principles and promote peace, the partnership between media practitioners and regional bodies will be essential in ensuring the region’s future stability and development.
