Misinformation and disinformation have become commonplace on the Internet these days. With the rapid spread of information, it is increasingly easy for ill-intentioned people to spread false news and manipulate public opinion.
In the context of current events, this translates into an information battle between the Malian armed forces and rebel groups in the north of the country. While the FAMA have launched an offensive to reconquer the territories occupied by these groups, the two camps are also competing on social networks to impose their version of the facts.
Unfortunately, there are many fake news circulating that mislead Internet users. Videos and images are decontextualized, information is manipulated to serve the interests of one side or another.
For example, a video circulating on TikTok claims to show the mobilization of Tuareg rebels against Malian forces. However, it turns out that this video is from May 2022, well before the current offensive began. It is therefore obvious that this video is being used maliciously to sow confusion and misinform.
In addition, a report from the Euronews channel dating from 2020 was used on TikTok to make it appear that the FAMA had retaken the town of Kidal, when in reality this was not the case at the time of publication. Once again, this is a manipulation of facts to serve a certain narrative.
Finally, images diverted from the French army are also circulating on social networks, suggesting the presence of French soldiers in the region. These images, which are actually several years old, are used to sow confusion and create false perceptions of the situation.
Faced with this growing threat of disinformation, it is essential to be skeptical and check your sources before believing and sharing information. Traditional media, fact-checking organizations, and official sources are the best resources for reliable and objective information.
As conscious internet users, it is our duty to combat misinformation by sharing verified information and educating others about the dangers of spreading fake news. It’s time to be discerning in our online information consumption and promote a culture of reasoned doubt.