How Misinformation from ‘Pan-Africanist’ Influencers Fuels Political Tensions in Ivory Coast

In May, social media rumors about a coup in Ivory Coast, rooted in anti-Western sentiments and amplified by self-proclaimed pan-Africanist influencers, created widespread fear and misinformation, highlighting the country's fragile political landscape before upcoming elections.

In mid-May, a series of alarming messages flooded social media, signaling what many believed to be a coup in Ivory Coast. Among those affected was Mafalda Marchioro, a resident in Abidjan, who received messages from concerned friends abroad. The rumors gained traction despite being unfounded, fueled by dramatic images of soldiers and AI-generated commentary, garnering millions of views on platforms like YouTube.

Experts suggest that these unfounded claims about military takeovers represent a significant rise in disinformation in a region already reeling from recent coups. With presidential elections on the horizon, political discord is exacerbated by allegations aimed at Ivorian President Alassane Ouattarra, who is criticized for his alignment with Western nations. Coulibaly, Ivory Coast's Communications Minister, labeled the misinformation as originating from "neighbouring countries," specifically pointing towards a rift with Burkina Faso, further spread by pan-African influencers advocating for an anti-Western narrative.

These influencers, like Burkina Faso's military leader Capt Ibrahim Traoré, champion a vision of renewed African agency. Young Africans increasingly gravitate towards dictator figures perceived as defying Western influence, leading to a burgeoning market for political discourse centered around military governance. Nonetheless, Alex Vines, from Chatham House, posits that this disinformation is aimed at eroding trust in existing political structures, resonating with those yearning for transformative leadership.

Recent digital behavior echoes patterns observed in Russian influence operations within the region, as the Kremlin has previously been linked to attempts at inciting unrest in French-speaking West African states. However, there is no concrete proof of Russian involvement in the Ivory Coast misinformation incident.

The campaign of misinformation towards an alleged coup appears to have gained momentum through specific content creators, such as Harouna Sawadogo from Burkina Faso, who made provocative posts designed to incite unrest. The spread of these rumors also captured attention outside of Francophone nations, reaching English-speaking countries where support for the false narrative surged.

Across various social media, posts celebrating an alleged coup proliferated, as did criticism of the Ivorian Duke, Ouattarra, with some influencers brazenly claiming pride in the coup narrative. This sensation is reflective of a wider desperate hunger for accountability and authentic leadership among many young Africans, though these influencers misappropriate pan-Africanism for personal gain rather than genuine advocacy.

Despite desires for genuine change, disinformation promotes fear and volatility, particularly significant as Ivory Coast braces for a pivotal election season. The narrative of the “pan-Africanist” influencer continues to draw attention, propelling a mixed message about unity and divisiveness across the continent.