In May, Ivory Coast found itself at the center of alarming falsehoods as social media exploded with rumors of an impending coup. Amid continuing political unrest and upcoming presidential elections, these unfounded claims reflected a disturbing trend in West Africa where misinformation has spiraled alongside a series of military takeovers in recent years. Mafalda Marchioro, a consultant in Abidjan, recounted her anxiety as messages flowed in from concerned friends abroad, questioning her safety amidst reports of soldiers in the streets.
Experts pinpoint the surge in disinformation to a rift with Burkina Faso, where self-styled pan-Africanist influencers have gained traction. These individuals, often advocating for anti-Western sentiments and championing leaders like Burkina Faso's military chief, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, have leveraged social media platforms to amplify doubts about established political figures. According to Alex Vines from Chatham House, this trend seeks to sow unrest by undermining confidence in traditional institutions and highlighting aspirations for more authoritative governance.
Ivorian authorities have traced the genesis of the rumors back to neighboring nations, although specifics were scarce. The Ivorian Communications Minister noted that tension has escalated following Traoré's accusations of Ivorians harboring dissidents conspiring against his junta. The faces perpetuating these narratives span across social media, with individuals like Harouna Sawadogo from Burkina Faso and others in South Africa sensationalizing claims of a coup.
Despite claims linking the misinformation to Russia, analysts clarify that no direct connections support Russian interference in these specific events. However, the structure of the misinformation mirrors campaigns seen elsewhere, particularly in French-speaking West Africa, underscoring a growing unease stemming from the region's geopolitical situations.
In analyzing the content's appeal, scholars highlight that such narratives resonate with young audiences seeking accountable leadership and meaningful change. Yet, the spread of coup rumors triggers genuine apprehension among those within the targeted political landscapes and exacerbates already heightened tensions ahead of the Ivorian elections set for October.
As the continent grapples with the dual crises of misinformation and political turbulence, the ramifications of these actions extend deeper, questioning the ethical responsibilities of social media influencers and the narratives emerging from the complex dynamics of pan-African solidarity and disinformation.
