Report Exposes Fragility Of West African Democracies After Coup Rumours In Côte d’Ivoire

Report Exposes Fragility Of West African Democracies After Coup Rumours In Côte d’Ivoire

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire – A wave of panic swept through Abidjan on Wednesday, fuelled by alleged internet disruptions and a deluge of misinformation on social media.

While reports of President Alassane Ouattara’s death, detention, or deposition were proven false, the incident highlights the growing threat of disinformation as a tool for destabilisation in a region already experiencing an increase in military takeovers.

For several hours, Ivorians were caught up in a frenzy of unverified claims and images circulating online. The rumours, which briefly received attention from international news outlets, were eventually debunked by photographs of President Ouattara presiding over a cabinet meeting.

“The president is alive. “The army has not revolted,” a government spokesperson said in a brief statement.

However, the speed and scope of the misinformation campaign have raised serious concerns about the vulnerability of Côte d’Ivoire and the wider West African region to coordinated disinformation efforts. Analysts point to the country’s history of political instability, which includes a 1999 coup, civil wars, and military mutinies, as reasons for the ease with which distrust in authority can be sparked.

This incident occurred at a particularly sensitive time in West Africa. Since 2020, five countries – Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Gabon – have experienced military coups, undermining democratic norms and raising concerns about a larger regional trend.

“Even false rumours, when amplified across a fragile political landscape, can sow genuine chaos,” warns a new report from Nextier, a leading research and advisory firm. “Disinformation is becoming a weapon of destabilisation.”

The Nextier report emphasises the role of social media in exacerbating public paranoia, as unverified images and claims circulate rapidly online. Hashtags related to AFRICOM and perceived French neocolonialism also gained popularity, demonstrating how external influences can exploit existing grievances.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has traditionally played a key role in regional stability, is under increasing scrutiny for its failure to prevent the recent surge in coups. Sanctions and dialogue have so far proven ineffective, leading to questions about the organization’s credibility.

The Nextier report urges ECOWAS to take a proactive approach to countering the threat of disinformation and strengthening democratic institutions. Recommendations include

Establishing an Early Warning System for Disinformation: Monitoring and responding to digital threats to constitutional order.
Strengthening Democratic Norms: By promoting strong electoral institutions, independent judiciaries, and credible civil society monitors.
Investing in Digital Literacy and Media Resilience: To help citizens distinguish between fact and fiction.
Reaffirming Normative Red Lines: Responding to military takeovers, real or rumoured, with universal condemnation and tangible consequences.

“The rumour of a coup in Côte d’Ivoire, even if ultimately false, should serve as a wake-up call,” says the Nextier report. “The region is at a tipping point, and ECOWAS must learn to prevent crises rather than just responding to them.”

The incident in Abidjan serves as a stark reminder that the battle for democracy in West Africa is now taking place in the digital realm, necessitating a collaborative effort from governments, media institutions, and international partners to combat misinformation and build resilience against destabilising influences.