Good Governance Africa’s Post

Silenced pens - the battle for expression in Africa. ✍️ In February 2024, International Press Institute (IPI) documented that press freedom in Senegal, Nigeria, and Kenya was under serious threat. Beyond a set of numbers, this is a collection of stories about people who have shown immense courage in the face of danger. Free press is crucial for informed societies. Knowledge is not only power but also our right. 💡 Access to information is a fundamental right, and we must work together to protect journalistic freedom. By understanding these dynamics, we can enrich the global conversation and strengthen our commitment to safeguarding the foundations of our democratic institutions. Media monitoring is our secret superpower in the fight for press freedom! By keeping a close eye on the media landscape, we uncover the hidden battles journalists face, spotlighting censorship and championing the unsung heroes of free speech. 🔍 It's our way of ensuring that truth finds its way to you, sparking global conversations that fortify our democratic foundations. Let's stand together for an informed world! 🤝 #PressFreedom #InformedSociety #GlobalDialogue #MediaMonitoring Read more about the challenges 👉 https://lnkd.in/dz8xT__j

🌍 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐥: 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🌍 The recent revelations about the inner workings of Russian disinformation in the Central African Republic underscore a pressing issue that resonates across the Sahel. In a region already grappling with security challenges, economic instability, and fragile governance, disinformation acts as a potent weapon—amplifying divisions, undermining trust in institutions, and destabilizing societies. The Sahel’s complex socio-political fabric makes it a fertile ground for such campaigns, which strategically exploit grievances to sway public opinion and influence political outcomes. This is not just a local issue; the geopolitical implications are vast, with external actors leveraging disinformation to advance their own agendas at the expense of regional stability and sovereignty. 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐚 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐔𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭 Disinformation thrives in the absence of coordinated responses. A well-defined strategy to counter this threat in the Sahel is crucial for several reasons: 🛡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐜𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐬: Ensuring that elections and public discourse are not manipulated by malicious narratives. 🌐 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲: Mitigating the destabilizing effects of false information that fuels conflict and division. 🎯 𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: Supporting independent journalism and fostering a media ecosystem that prioritizes truth and transparency. 𝐀 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 To effectively combat disinformation, we must consider a multi-faceted strategy that: Enhances 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐲 to empower citizens to discern fact from fiction. Builds robust 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭-𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 across the region. Encourages 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 to hold disinformation actors accountable. Supports local journalists and ensures their safety in reporting the truth. This battle requires collaboration between governments, civil society, tech platforms, and international partners. African nations in the Sahel must lead this effort, supported by global allies committed to defending truth, stability, and democratic integrity. The stakes are high, but by standing united and proactive, we can safeguard the Sahel’s future from the corrosive impact of disinformation. #Sahel #Disinformation #MediaLiteracy #RegionalStability #AfricaPolicy https://lnkd.in/eQb6PiHt

‼️ The fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for press freedom in Syria 🇸🇾 For over five decades, the regime systematically stifled journalistic expression through severe measures, including torture, enforced disappearances, imprisonment, and exile of media practitioners, as well as harassment and terrorization of their families. This repression extended to online platforms: websites such as Wikipedia Arabic, YouTube, and Facebook were frequently blocked between 2008 and 2011. Internet cafés were compelled to monitor and report users' comments on forums, and numerous bloggers and digital content creators were arrested under vague and sweeping "national security" charges. The Assad regime's control over digital media fostered an environment of fear, with pervasive internet surveillance forcing widespread self-censorship. As RNW Media, we recognize that the toppling of this repressive regime presents an unprecedented opportunity to rebuild Syria's media landscape as a pillar of democracy and accountability. We join the voices calling for the establishment of a free and independent press, with a particular focus on strengthening digital media as a vital space for expression and dialogue. To realize this vision, we urge action in the following areas: 1/ Enact Legal Protections for Press Freedom: Implement robust laws that safeguard freedom of expression across all media platforms, including online spaces. Journalists, bloggers, and content creators must be able to work without fear of censorship or persecution. 2/ Promote Digital Literacy: Equip citizens with the skills to critically engage with digital media, enabling them to navigate and challenge misinformation while fostering an informed and empowered public. 3/ Ensure Open and Unrestricted Internet Access: Guarantee unrestricted access to the internet and digital platforms, creating a space where diverse viewpoints can thrive and information can flow freely. 4/ Support Independent Digital Outlets: Encourage the growth of independent online news platforms, blogs, and social media channels, which are essential for offering alternative perspectives, holding power to account, and amplifying marginalized voices. As RNW Media, we stand in solidarity with Syrian citizens, journalists, and digital media practitioners, advocating for a new era of media freedom in Syria. A vibrant, open, and independent digital media environment is crucial not only for safeguarding human rights but also for fostering inclusive dialogue and democratic development. https://lnkd.in/eqtUg8nP #Syria #PressFreedom #DigitalMedia

📣 Despite the ban of RT and Russian state propaganda in Europe, Russian #disinformation narratives are still reaching European audiences through fake local news sites and other related websites. ⚙️ The EMIF-funded project, the Information Laundromat, developed an open-source tool to uncover these websites, in order to help policy-makers, journalists, and researchers understand how Russian #disinformation narratives are laundered through the online space. The tool is available here: https://loom.ly/68zgZLo 🗳️ These disinformation operations can pose a significant threat, especially in a year with critical events like the European Parliamentary elections and the US presidential elections. This tool is able to help better understand such operations. You can read the New York Times coverage of the project and how this tool is useful during election times: https://loom.ly/BMv_Jfc 📑 Additionally, you can read the report published by the Alliance for Securing Democracy, University of Amsterdam, and ISD (Institute for Strategic Dialogue) detailing the project's research methodologies and results: https://loom.ly/hgrHuFo David Salvo Bret Schafer Peter Benzoni Kamila K. Kevin D. Reyes Vassilis Ntousas Paolo Cesarini Pedro Calado Joanna Krawczyk Fabrizio Tassinari

🔍 OSINT Industries' tools are empowering reporters to uncover hidden truths in Belarus as the state attempts to obscure data. Alina Y. (a hard hitting investigative journalist) discussed with Global Investigative Journalism Network how to investigate corruption and sanctions evasion despite state efforts to conceal information. OSINT Industries offers robust tools for investigating hostile regimes with comprehensive global coverage. “When investigating people connected to companies, Yanchur recommended looking at other business records in an individual’s name — to find, for example, phone numbers linked to them — as well as using The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project Aleph and the platform OSINT.industries.“ Claim free Journalistic access to OSINT Industries: https://lnkd.in/eUnWiKCA

🌍 Empowering local journalists in Ukraine 🌍 The “Inclusive Recovery Through the Recovery Win Coalition” project is an initiative launched in 2024 to support Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction efforts amidst ongoing challenges. Led by IMS (International Media Support) in collaboration with Danish Industry, 3F – Fagligt Fælles Forbund and Ukrainian organisations, the project focuses on strengthening local investigative journalism, transparency, and accountability in the reconstruction of Ukraine. With Ukrainian communities facing the pressing need for reliable information and democratic oversight, the Recovery Win coalition unites Ukrainian media outlets, think tanks, and community organisations to address corruption risks, enhance transparency, and support local voices. This coalition will empower local journalists to provide trusted reporting on Ukraine’s reconstruction processes, holding institutions accountable as they navigate one of the largest post-conflict recovery efforts since the Marshall Plan. Visit Recovery Win's website (in Ukrainian) via the link below ⬇️ https://recovery.win/

The Associated Press (AP), Financial Times, and New York Times have been producing remarkable investigative reports on russia's actions in Ukraine, showcasing their talented and competent journalists. Despite their expertise, mistakes can still occur, which have significant consequences and should be minimized. Russia has a history of creating misleading statements in hopes that international media will #disseminate them. How russia Manipulates Media: 📌Disinformation Campaigns: Spreads false narratives and fabricates news to create confusion and distrust (e.g., russian media falsely claiming Ukrainian aggression to #justify military actions.). Establishes fake news sites mimicking legitimate outlets. 📌Social Media Manipulation: Employs troll farms to flood social media with propaganda. Uses bot networks to amplify fake news and create the illusion of popular support. 📌Influencing Foreign Media: State-funded outlets like RT and Sputnik broadcast pro-russian perspectives globally. Releases hacked information to disrupt political processes (e.g., 2016 U.S. election). 📌Domestic Control: Controls media through censorship and propaganda. Implements laws to limit operations of foreign-funded organizations and media. 📌Psychological Operations: Creates doubt and distrust in established institutions. Uses multiple conflicting theories to deflect blame (e.g., MH17 downing, Skripal poisoning). 📹 Check out today’s excellent summary by Julia Tymoshenko #supportUkraine🇺🇦

Together for truth: Combating Fake News in the Western Balkans https://lnkd.in/eUTzKbRb ARTICLE 19’s #CheckItFirst campaign has been at the forefront of fighting disinformation in the Western Balkans by supporting and empowering journalists. Through this campaign, ARTICLE 19 has provided resources and recognition to journalists committed to ethical reporting. The Ethical Journalism Awards celebrated those who uphold truth and integrity in their work, spotlighting their challenges and achievements. Despite a media landscape influenced by powerful elites, these journalists have persevered to deliver unbiased information. The campaign has raised awareness of the crucial role of the media in democracy and the dangers posed by disinformation. With the release of the ARTICLE 19 Global Expression Report 2024, the campaign has highlighted how disinformation erodes media trust and compromises elections. Now, the focus shifts to educating the public on identifying fake news and holding media accountable.  Join ARTICLE 19 in promoting truth and integrity. Educate yourself about disinformation, and help safeguard our democracy. Together, we can build a brighter future! #CheckItFirst #FightFakeNews #EthicalJournalism #DemocracyMatters

In a democratic state, the media must operate freely and safely. The ongoing conflict in Gaza over the past year has crossed numerous red lines, leading to an increasingly alarming situation. The recent harrowing images of individuals burning alive serve as a stark reminder of the horrors unfolding there. Currently, information coming from Gaza primarily comes from Al Jazeera journalists and local Palestinian outlets such as Watan TV, Ajyal Radio, and Wafa News, all of whom have become primary targets of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). This raises critical questions about the absence of other independent international media outlets. Major organizations like the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, BBC, CNN, The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Washington Post have reported that NO independent media access to Gaza has been permitted since the onset of the war. This restriction not only pressures domestic journalists but also fosters an environment ripe for misinformation and disinformation. On July 11, 2024, more than 70 media and civil society organizations signed an open letter urging Israel to grant journalists independent access to Gaza. This collective call highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in reporting from the region. Is this acceptable? The lack of free and independent media access in Gaza is a troubling indication that Israel is falling short of its democratic ideals. We must advocate for the protection of press freedom and the vital role it plays in ensuring accountability and transparency in conflict situations.  

Our latest Monitoring Report delves into the state of media freedom in Europe throughout 2023, offering insights into the challenges faced by journalists and media outlets. From the impact of the ongoing war in #Ukraine to the surge in #DDoS attacks, the report uncovers key trends shaping the media landscape. It also highlights the alarming rise in populist attacks on media freedom and the prevalence of abusive lawsuits and SLAPPs. With detailed country reports covering EU Member States and candidate countries, the report provides a nuanced understanding of the diverse threats journalists encounter across Europe. From France to Turkey, it offers a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the media industry. Download the full report here ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/eAWbTXNH