By Sandra Chukwugekwu
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating disinformation and harmful narratives in the subregion, pledging stronger collaboration with partners to safeguard information integrity.
Speaking on behalf of ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, the Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, Mines, Water Resources, and Digital Economy, Mr. Sediko Douka, addressed the High-Level Ministerial and Plenary Sessions of the Regional Conference on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel.
Douka emphasized the urgency of adopting a common framework to address the dangers posed by disinformation.
“The fight against disinformation is not just about protecting facts but about protecting democracy, peace, and stability in our region,” he stated. “ECOWAS remains fully committed to fostering collaboration and ensuring that our digital space is safe, trustworthy, and resilient.”
The gathering also witnessed the adoption of the Policy Framework on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel and the validation of the Praia Action Plan (2026–2036), a roadmap designed to strengthen resilience against disinformation campaigns.
The conference drew dignitaries from across the region and beyond, including Cabo Verde’s Prime Minister, Dr. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, ministers of communication from Gambia and Niger, representatives from Nigeria, Mali, Liberia, Burkina Faso, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as UN Special Representative for West Africa and the Sahel, Dr. Leonardo Santos Simão, and UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Dr. Tawfik Jelassi.
Douka said the wide participation underscored a collective recognition that information integrity is critical for good governance and sustainable development.
“Our citizens deserve access to reliable information free from manipulation. Only then can we build inclusive societies where trust and accountability thrive,” he added.
The conference concluded with participants agreeing on the need for stronger regional cooperation to counter disinformation and reinforce democratic values in West Africa and the Sahel.
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