It is in a delicate context marked by confusion that journalists in the Bunia and Beni region were made aware of the importance of their role in the fight against disinformation. Indeed, the dissemination of false information represents a major threat to the security and stability of these regions affected by armed conflicts.
MONUSCO took the initiative of training forty journalists from Bunia and eighty-five journalists from Beni on the dangers of disinformation and the responsibility of the media in the dissemination of reliable information. This awareness comes in a context where social networks play a leading role in the propagation of false news, in particular by demonizing the actions of the armed forces.
Colonel Mak Hazukay, army spokesperson in operational sector Sokola 1, stressed the importance for journalists to demonstrate patriotism and responsibility in handling information. He warned of the harmful consequences of disinformation on the population’s perception of the army and called on the media to support the army’s efforts by relaying objective and precise information.
In a media landscape often rife with manipulation and propaganda, it is essential that journalists act with complete neutrality and scrupulously verify their sources. The dissemination of false information not only harms the credibility of the media, but it also hampers the work of international organizations such as MONUSCO, which sometimes find themselves unable to intervene effectively on the ground due to the spread of rumors. and misinformation.
Raising awareness among journalists in Bunia and Beni of the importance of their mission in a context of armed conflict gives hope for an improvement in the processing of information and a more effective fight against disinformation and manipulation. By becoming aware of the impact of their actions on the population and on the perception of events, journalists can contribute to promoting responsible and committed journalism, guarantor of democracy and freedom of expression.
In conclusion, raising journalists’ awareness of ethics and professional responsibility constitutes an essential step towards reliable and objective information, essential for preserving security and stability in regions plagued by armed conflicts.