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Confronting Disinformation in Central Africa

Perspectives from Civil Society in Chad and Central African Republic

Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 / Time: 1:00pm - 2:30pm EST

Center: Africa Center

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Misinformation and disinformation in Central Africa pose direct threats to peace and security in the region. In countries like Chad and the Central African Republic, malign actors continue to spread false information, hate speech and other inflammatory rhetoric. These malign efforts have affected national political discourse and inter-state relations — fueling the risk of escalation amid the region’s struggles with protracted conflict, fragile transitions and turbulent elections. USIP partners in Central Africa have led efforts to document, analyze and address disinformation issues with a view toward strengthening social cohesion amid these threats. 

On November 13, USIP hosted a conversation with frontline organizations and experts from Central Africa that explored civil society’s role in confronting disinformation and discussed potential ways to promote peace and security in the region.

Speakers

Rhosyns Ngatondang-Zalang
President, Association Jeunesse en Marche pour le Développement en Centrafrique 

Siobhán Spiak
Regional Coordinator, Global Engagement Center, U.S. Department of State 

Yamingué Bétinbaye
Scientific Director, Centre for Research in Anthropology and Human Sciences 

Archibald Henry
Program Officer, Central Africa and Sahel, U.S. Institute of Peace

Confronter la désinformation en Afrique centrale

Perspectives de la société civile au Tchad et en République centrafricaine

La désinformation et la mésinformation en Afrique centrale représentent une menace directe pour la paix et la sécurité dans la région. Dans des pays tels que le Tchad et la République centrafricaine, des acteurs malveillants continuent de propager de fausses informations, des discours haineux et autres rhétoriques inflammatoires. Ces tendances ont affecté les discours politiques nationaux voire les relations inter-étatiques, alimentant le risque d'escalade dans une région faisant face à des conflits prolongés, transitions politiques fragiles et phases électorales turbulentes. Les partenaires de l'USIP en Afrique centrale ont mené des efforts visant à documenter, analyser et résoudre les problèmes de désinformation dans le but de renforcer la cohésion sociale face à ces menaces.

Rejoignez l'USIP pour une discussion avec des organisations de première ligne et expert-e-s sur l’Afrique centrale qui examineront le rôle de la société civile dans la confrontation à la désinformation, exploreront des moyens potentiels de promouvoir la paix et la sécurité, et détermineront les implications pour la politique étrangère et la stratégie dans la région.

Intervenants

Rhosyns Ngatondang-Zalang
Président, Association Jeunesse en Marche pour le Développement en Centrafrique

Siobhán Spiak
Coordinatrice régionale, Global Engagement Center, Département d’État américain 

Yamingué Bétinbaye
Directeur scientifique, Centre de Recherche en Anthropologie et Sciences humaines

Archibald Henry
Chargé de programme, Afrique centrale et Sahel, Institut des États-Unis pour la Paix

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