In a political crisis situation, the manipulation of information can represent a real weapon of war. The media is a major security issue. Within a country in crisis, information made public becomes the only narrative injected with the population. Control instrument, manipulation of information is a formidable means of influence, which leaves the field open to propaganda, without possible contradiction. Thus flouting any notion of ethics, information manipulation is a tool used in order to force populations to trust only one and the same narrative, regardless of its veracity.
Today, disinformation pollutes the media landscape. The country's digital space offers the means necessary for the massive propagation of Fake News. The development of artificial intelligence (AI) and Deep Fakes are additional threats in the fight against disinformation. These levers are increasingly used in the context of a political crisis.
Beyond fake news, intimidation and sanctions on journalists from certain countries in crisis act as "baillon procedures". Aiming to silence any opponent part of the ideology of power in place, many journalists are forced silence under penalty of sequestration, tobacco or even murder.
Niger: Land conducive to disinformation?
Six months after the coup d'etat led to the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum, Niger is experiencing an unprecedented political crisis. The coming to power of the military, sanctioned by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) plunges the country into instability and insecurity. By definition, the coup d'etat fallen for the people from their sovereignty.
Continuing on its momentum, the new government of Niger, having joined that of Burkina Faso and Mali in very recent alliance of the States of the Sahel (AES) announced Sunday to break links with ECOWAS. This decision further increases the country in isolation.
In Niger, the media situation would be deteriorating following the political and security crisis. With the recent coup d'etat, Nigerian journalism had to face a number of challenges, fleeing the threat of possible repression. Faced with these challenges, youth education in the dangers of disinformation becomes more than vital.
If the use of information via the media seems essential, in Niger, they may today be reduced to propaganda tools.
