False Communiqués Flood Social Media During Presidential Campaign, Fueling Misinformation Concerns
Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire — As the West African nation prepares for the aftermath of its October 2025 presidential election, a surge of fake communiqués and false statements attributed to political figures has swept through social media platforms, according to a fact-check by Africa Check published on November 20, 2025.
The misinformation wave, centered around Côte d’Ivoire’s contentious election, highlights growing concerns over digital manipulation and the role of online disinformation in shaping public opinion across the region.
False Political Statements Circulate Widely
During the election period, dozens of fabricated press releases and statements were shared on platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp. These falsified documents often bore the logos of major political parties or state institutions, creating the illusion of authenticity.
According to Africa Check, the fake materials were designed to mislead voters, discredit rival candidates, and inflame political tensions. Some falsely claimed that electoral results had been annulled or that prominent politicians had conceded defeat—information that was later proven to be entirely false.
Local fact-checking organization Ivoire Check, a member of the Coalition Anti Dohi, collaborated with Africa Check to investigate and debunk these false communiqués. Their findings suggest that misinformation networks have become increasingly sophisticated, using advanced digital editing tools and coordinated social media campaigns to spread false narratives.
Coalition Anti Dohi Takes Lead in Fighting Disinformation
The Coalition Anti Dohi, supported by the German cooperation agency GIZ through its “Strengthening Information Reliability in West Africa” initiative, has been instrumental in monitoring and verifying election-related content.
The coalition’s mission is to ensure information integrity during Côte d’Ivoire’s democratic processes by combining journalism, technology, and community education. Their approach focuses on identifying sources of disinformation, tracing the spread of false claims, and providing the public with verified information through transparent communication.
In its report, Africa Check noted that the coalition operates with full editorial independence, emphasizing that its work is not influenced by political or institutional interests.
Social Media’s Role in Electoral Misinformation
Social networks have become the main battleground for political discourse in Côte d’Ivoire. Analysts warn that the virality of false statements poses a severe risk to democratic participation, particularly in a country where mobile internet access has expanded rapidly in recent years.
Experts say the problem is exacerbated by limited digital literacy among citizens and the absence of strong content moderation in local languages. False statements, memes, and voice notes can spread rapidly before fact-checkers have the chance to intervene.
A spokesperson from Ivoire Check told local media that combating misinformation during elections requires “proactive public education and a culture of fact-checking.” They added that even after false information is debunked, its impact often lingers in public perception.
Impact on Public Trust and Political Stability
The circulation of fake communiqués has raised concerns about voter confidence and institutional credibility. In an already polarized political climate, such disinformation risks undermining trust in the electoral commission and other democratic institutions.
Observers fear that unchecked misinformation could erode public faith in future elections, particularly if citizens cannot distinguish between verified statements and falsified ones.
To counter this, fact-checkers and media watchdogs in Côte d’Ivoire are calling for stronger collaboration between journalists, civil society, and technology companies to ensure accurate reporting and rapid correction of false claims.
Broader Regional Implications
Côte d’Ivoire’s disinformation crisis reflects a wider trend across West Africa, where election-related fake news has become a recurring challenge. Similar incidents have been documented in Nigeria, Senegal, and Ghana, where digital platforms are frequently used to manipulate narratives during campaigns.
As countries across the region prepare for future elections, experts argue that strengthening media literacy and promoting transparency in communication will be critical to preserving democratic integrity.
Africa Check’s Commitment to Truth and Accountability
Founded on principles of transparency and impartiality, Africa Check continues to serve as one of the continent’s leading fact-checking organizations. Its mission — holding public figures accountable through evidence-based verification — remains crucial in the fight against disinformation.
The organization emphasizes that truthful information is fundamental to democracy, especially during politically sensitive moments like national elections.
Conclusion: A Call for Media Responsibility in Côte d’Ivoire
As Côte d’Ivoire navigates post-election dynamics, the surge of false communiqués underscores the urgent need for stronger media responsibility, fact-checking networks, and citizen awareness.
Without collective action, disinformation will continue to distort public debate and weaken confidence in democratic processes.For ongoing updates on global media integrity, technology, and politics, visit StartupNews.fyi.
