By Mabinty M. Kamara in Monrovia
As part of the outcome of a three-day conference in Monrovia Liberia, Regional actors from central and West Africa have mapped out a collective approach that would minimize the spread of Fake News and enhance effective information -sharing across the continent.
Issues such as gendered approaches to data governance and regional research were deliberated on, and the importance of diverse perspectives, in shaping the strategies, also highlighted.
Throughout the conference, delegates explored a multitude of crucial topics, all centered around countering disinformation and hate speech during election periods.
Speaking at the end of the conference, Zoe Hatman, Project Manager for NDI Washington noted that the event culminated in a Regional Good Practices Development Session “where we gathered and documented a comprehensive list of valuable insights and lessons learned from our collective experiences”.
“Together, we examined how these challenges undermine the electoral process and learned from the case studies presented by partner organizations from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Côte d’ivoire, Mali, and the DRC. Burkina Faso, and Senegal’’, Ms. Hatman said.
She commended the commitment of the participants, saying their their overall dedication, and expertise were the driving force behind its success.
“The collaborative spirit displayed by representatives from fact-checking and hate speech monitoring organizations, women’s rights groups, advocates for persons with disabilities, the media, electoral management bodies, political parties, and civil society organizations has truly been commendable,” Ms Hatman went on.
She urged the participants to make good use of the knowledge and insights gained into their work and communities.
“Together, we have forged lasting connections and strengthened our regional network of like-minded individuals committed to promoting truth, tolerance, and democratic values.
“Let us remain united in our efforts to counter disinformation and hate speech, cultivate credible sources of information, and foster open dialogue that bridges divides,” she said.
The conference which ended on 29th July was organized by the National Democratic Institute and brought together the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and Innovation Lab Liberia (iLab ), as well as organisations from Burkina Faso, Mali, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, and other civil society organisations in Liberia.
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