This podcast-article warns against the growing spread of disinformation in West Africa, especially centered around Captain Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso’s transitional leader. AI-generated deepfakes glorify him as a pan-African hero, widely circulating on social media and fueling polarization. The author highlights the decline of rational discourse, replaced by radical and binary narratives. He stresses the danger this manipulation poses to democracy, social cohesion, and youth mobilization. The piece also denounces repression in Burkina Faso and the departure of educated professionals from the Sahel. Drawing on Thomas Sankara’s legacy, the author calls for critical thinking and warns against youth being exploited by authoritarian figures using digital disinformation as a weapon.

Youth, Réseaux sociaux, Disinformation

This report documents the sharp rise in disinformation campaigns across Africa—from 50 in 2022 to 189 in 2024—with nearly 60% sponsored by foreign state actors, chiefly Russia, China, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. West Africa is the most targeted region, with 72 campaigns, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These campaigns aim to shape political narratives, undermine democracy, support military coups, and discredit international institutions. Russia-linked networks, including Wagner, have been central in the Sahel. The report also highlights increasing domestic disinformation, notably during Kenya’s 2022 and Nigeria’s 2023 elections, as well as growing involvement of Islamist militant groups. Disinformation is spreading rapidly due to social media use and declining press freedom, posing a significant threat to stability, civil rights, and democratic governance across the continent.

Politics, Political party, State, Natural ressources, Education, Gold, Social, Influence, Infowar, Information

The article explores the impact of Covid-19-related misinformation in West Africa, where social media accelerates the spread of rumors and conspiracy theories, often faster than scientific facts. The authors identify structural causes of this "infodemic": distrust in authorities, information asymmetry, manipulation of data, and social fragility. Examples from Senegal, Nigeria, Kenya, and Côte d’Ivoire show how fear, stigmatization, and fake news intensify social tensions. The article calls for multilingual, inclusive, and creative public communication involving community leaders and influencers. It emphasizes the responsibility of governments, media, and civil society in ensuring the dissemination of reliable information. The authors argue that effective communication can mean the difference between life and death in a pandemic context.

Governance, Numérique, Réseaux sociaux, Disinformation

In this interview, Dr. Yacine Diagne, a political scientist and head of the radio department at CESTI, Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, advocates for the democratization of Senegal's media landscape. She emphasizes the importance of strengthening journalist training and promoting ethical and responsible information dissemination. Dr. Diagne highlights the need to combat misinformation, especially during electoral periods, by involving media outlets, institutions, and civil society. She underscores the crucial role of media in consolidating democracy and calls for balanced regulation that respects press freedom while ensuring the quality of disseminated information.

Governance, Democracy, Medias, Disinformation

The joint pastoral surveillance bulletin by Action Contre la Faim (ACF) and Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium (VSF-B) for February–March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory pastoral situation in Niger. Pastures remain widely available, surface water is sufficient, and markets are accessible. However, livestock body condition has slightly declined and suspected cases of animal diseases persist, though less than in previous periods. Prices of livestock and cereals have decreased, leading to a mild deterioration in terms of trade for herders. Incidents of bushfires, livestock thefts, and inter-community conflicts have also declined. The report recommends increased vaccination, awareness campaigns on transhumance, and better youth engagement to sustainably manage pastoral resources. Efforts should focus on improving disease surveillance, supporting pastoral markets, and sharing strategic information across communities.

State, Boundary, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Information, Marché

Niger is facing a complex humanitarian crisis characterized by insecurity, food shortages, epidemics, flooding, and high malnutrition rates. In 2025, 2.2 million people—8% of the population—are projected to be in acute food insecurity. Armed conflict, administrative barriers to humanitarian access, and the suspension of USAID funding are worsening the situation. Acute malnutrition remains alarming: 1.7 million children are expected to be affected, including 412,000 with severe acute malnutrition. The most impacted regions are Diffa, Tahoua, Maradi, and Tillabéri. ACF operates in these areas with an integrated, multisectoral approach including health, nutrition, WASH, and food security, with special focus on displaced populations and pastoralists. Despite strong impact, only 12% of the response needs are currently funded. The report calls for urgent, coordinated, and adequately resourced action to prevent a worsening of the crisis.

Natural ressources, Security, Education, Family, Food security, Gold, Human security, Information, Insécurité, Malnutrition

n 2025, Mauritania is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing insecurity, climate change, and a significant influx of 318,000 Malian refugees and 55,000 returning Mauritanians. During the lean season (June–September), an estimated 590,452 people will face acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3+), particularly in the Hodh Chargui region. While agro-pastoral conditions are generally favorable, localized floods and high food prices are straining vulnerable households. Action Against Hunger's emergency response has improved food diversity, coping strategies, and key nutritional indicators. Despite being a socioeconomic pillar, pastoralism is increasingly threatened by environmental degradation and cross-border pressures. Stronger partner support is crucial to prevent conflicts and build long-term resilience.

Gender, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Food security, Gold, Human security, refugee, Information, Malnutrition, Emergency

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin of Mauritania for February-March 2025 reports an overall satisfactory situation despite a decline in pastoral resources due to bushfires and increased livestock pressure, particularly in Hodh Chargui. Grazing resources remain generally available, and livestock body condition is good. However, suspected outbreaks of animal diseases, including peste des petits ruminants and foot-and-mouth disease, are reported. The bulletin also highlights the ongoing arrival of Malian refugees, increasing strain on resources and infrastructure. Market assessments show variable commodity prices, with unfavorable terms of trade for herders in certain areas. Support actions such as livestock e-tagging have been implemented. Recommendations emphasize strengthening resilience, improving animal health awareness, and mitigating potential conflicts in agropastoral zones.

State, Economic Development, Pastoralism, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Information, Marché

The article "The Emergence of 'Vidéomans' in Mali: Between Popular Expression and Tool of Disinformation" by Bah Traoré, published on March 28, 2025, by WATHI, examines the phenomenon of "vidéomans" in Mali. These influencers use social media to comment on national news through live videos, a trend that emerged between 2015 and 2018 with the rise of platforms like Facebook and YouTube. Initially focused on various topics, vidéomans have gradually shifted towards more politicized discourse, notably criticizing government management and foreign interference, particularly from France. Their growing influence led the Malian government to organize a workshop from March 6 to 8, 2025, bringing together several vidéomans to strengthen its communication and counter disinformation. However, the article highlights that the information disseminated by these vidéomans is not always accurate, posing challenges regarding information reliability.

Governance, Information, Numérique, Disinformation