FAAPA Launches Network of Fact-Checking Journalists to Combat Fake News in Africa

The Federation of African News Agencies (FAAPA) has announced the creation of a network of fact-checking journalists from African news agencies to combat the spread of misinformation across the continent. The network, named the Network of Fact-Checking Journalists from African News Agencies (RJF-FAAPA), was launched during a five-day training seminar titled 'Fact-Checking: Detecting Fake News in Media Content' held in Rabat, Morocco from April 22-26, 2024.

Fouad Arif, the President of FAAPA and Director of the Moroccan news agency MAP, welcomed the creation of this platform, emphasizing the need for collective action to combat the negative consequences of fake news, which is damaging the credibility of mainstream media. The network aims to facilitate coordinated, effective, and serious efforts by FAAPA member agencies to combat disinformation.

Why this matters: The proliferation of fake news has become a global concern, with Africa being no exception. The creation of the RJF-FAAPA network is a significant step towards safeguarding the integrity of information and ensuring the public has access to accurate and reliable news across the African continent.

The RJF-FAAPA network will establish a framework for journalists to create a specialized platform for verifying information and multimedia content, as well as develop a fact-checking guide for African news agencies. Jean Bedel Ndandula from the Democratic Republic of Congo news agency, who serves as the coordinator of the RJF-FAAPA, expressed the network's determination to work together to implement information verification techniques and strengthen coordination among FAAPA members in this domain.

During the training seminar, 25 journalists from FAAPA member agencies received training on tools, writing practices, fact-checking methodology, and the role and mission of fact-checkers. Cameroonian media expert Xavier Messé A Tiati, who participated as a trainer, highlighted the technological advancements and professionalism of the Moroccan news agency MAP, and its commitment to sharing its experience and expertise with other FAAPA member agencies.

Ndandula praised the strong engagement of the trainers and participants in the seminars, stating, "The members of this network have expressed their determination to work together to implement information verification techniques and strengthen coordination among FAAPA members in this domain." The network's secretariat will be managed by Mohamed Reda Aoufoussi from MAP.

Key Takeaways

• FAAPA creates network of fact-checking journalists to combat misinformation
• Network aims to verify information and develop fact-checking guide for African media
• 25 journalists trained on tools, practices, and role of fact-checkers
• Moroccan agency MAP to share expertise and manage network's secretariat
• Launch of RJF-FAAPA network to safeguard integrity of African media