Paper short abstract:

The processing and dissemination of information in the Sahel have a significant impact on the perception of conflicts, international mobilization, citizen participation, and the search for lasting solutions. Responsible information management contributes to a better understanding of the issues.

Paper long abstract:

Since 2010, the Sahel has faced many challenges, including armed conflicts, insurgencies, and terrorist activities. Information processing and dissemination play a crucial role in understanding, managing, and resolving these conflicts in the Sahel. Security issues, the threat of self-censorship, the spread of misinformation, and political pressure make the media's crucial role in understanding, denouncing, and preventing insurrection all the more complex.

How can the media operate effectively and responsibly in an environment of insurgency, while ensuring the safety of journalists and preserving integrity of information?

To what extent is media self-censorship in the Sahel influenced by fear of reprisals from armed groups or the authorities?

How can self-censorship compromise the media's traditional mission as a fourth estate and a vehicle for objective information?

How can the media in the Sahel identify and effectively counter misinformation propagated by armed groups or other actors?

What role can the media play in promoting good information for the public, to reduce the impact of propaganda?

Conflicts in the Sahel are often accompanied by disinformation and propaganda. The handling of information in Mali, as elsewhere, is influenced by the personal convictions of information professionals and by the ethical codes that govern their work.

Against a backdrop of insurgencies in the Sahel, the emergence of resilient and responsible media will depend on the effective implementation of safety measures for journalists, the adoption of innovative strategies to deal with disinformation, the promotion of regional and international collaboration, and the ongoing strengthening of professional skills and community involvement.