The recent article by Witney Schneidman, published in Fatshimetrics on April 29, 2025 and devoted to MCEBISI Jonas, raises crucial questions concerning transparency and ethics within the media and institutions that influence international policy. While Schneidman is presented as a former deputy adviser to the American Secretary of State for African Affairs, his link with Covington & Burling, a law firm who provides legal services to MTN Group, was not immediately clarified. This omission has aroused legitimate concerns about an unknown conflict of interest, which led to a subsequent correction in the publication.
### The importance of disclosure of conflicts of interest
The situation raises essential questions about transparency standards that should govern the contributions to the media. Opinion articles, by their nature, are often based on the subjectivity of the author and have the potential to influence public opinion. This is why it is expected that the authors reveal not only their professional affiliations, but also any relationship which could be perceived as a conflict of interest. The practice of disclosure aims to allow readers to weigh the arguments presented in the light of the author’s possible bias.
The correction made to Schneidman’s byline, highlighting its role in Covington & Burling, was a necessary step to clarify its position and allow readers to assess the content of the article with a critical look. However, it is relevant to question the mechanisms in place in media organizations to ensure that such conflicts are systematically disclosed.
### The context of relations between law firms and the media
The link between Covington & Burling and MTN Group is not isolated. Several other professional service firms have been brought to face similar allegations concerning the use of their academic affiliations to hide their commercial interests. This raises concerns about the integrity of information disseminated by prestigious institutions, such as universities and think tanks, which could unconsciously become vehicles for the promotion of private interests.
### A model to follow for transparency
Nevertheless, by studying this phenomenon, it is possible to identify avenues for improvement. Academic institutions, think tanks and the media could consider setting up clear protocols and robust disclosure standards. This could include revised requirements for written contributions, where affiliations and potential conflicts of interest must be explicitly mentioned in the body of the article.
Examples of good practices could be borrowed from other sectors, where transparency is essential. For example, in the health sector, doctors and researchers are often required to declare financial interests in companies. A similar framework could be envisaged in the fields of journalism and public affairs.
### Implications for politics and society
Beyond ethical concerns, there are also broader implications for democracy and public confidence in institutions. When conflicts of interest is not transparent, this can undermine public confidence in the media and in the advice given by experts. In a world where access to information is largely facilitated, the ability to differentiate enlightened opinions from those influenced by private interests becomes crucial.
In the end, recent events around Schneidman’s article reveal the need for a stronger framework concerning the disclosure of conflicts of interest. This could not only strengthen the credibility of opinion articles, but also contribute to a culture of transparency which could benefit the whole of society, thus reinforcing confidence in public discourse in general.
### Conclusion
The exchange of ideas and opinions is essential to our democratic society, but it must be done in a climate of transparency and integrity. The lessons learned from situations like that of Schneidman are an opportunity to initiate a dialogue on ethical standards in journalism and within institutions that shape our understanding of the world. By creating bridges between the different actors, society can aspire to better governance enlightened by objective, honest and unambiguous information.