False Coup Rumors Grip Ivory Coast Amidst Regional Tensions and Disinformation
Abidjan, Ivory Coast – In May 2024, a wave of false coup rumors swept across social media, causing panic and confusion among residents of Ivory Coast and sparking international concern. The rumors, amplified by social media influencers and pan-Africanist narratives, highlighted the growing vulnerability of West African nations to disinformation campaigns, particularly in the lead-up to crucial elections. The incident also underscores the complex interplay between regional politics, social media dynamics, and the exploitation of pre-existing tensions.
The rumors, which falsely claimed that a military coup was underway, spread rapidly through platforms like TikTok, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube. Dramatic, albeit fabricated, footage of soldiers on the streets circulated widely, alongside AI-generated reports and videos that amassed millions of views. While genuine protests related to the upcoming presidential elections were occurring in Ivory Coast, these were distinct from the fabricated coup narrative. The speed and reach of the false information underscored the power of social media to disseminate misinformation and manipulate public perception.
The Ivorian government, led by President Alassane Ouattara, who is seeking a fourth term, quickly denounced the rumors as false and traced their origins to “neighboring countries,” although no specific nation was identified. Analysts believe that the disinformation campaign may have been fueled by regional rivalries and political machinations, potentially aimed at destabilizing Ivory Coast, a nation viewed as pro-Western, ahead of its upcoming elections. The false coup narrative played into existing criticisms of Ouattara’s government, particularly accusations of aligning with Western powers accused of exploiting the African continent.
Central to the spread of the disinformation were a growing wave of self-proclaimed pan-Africanist influencers. These individuals, often expressing support for Russia and rejection of Western influence, command significant online followings across the continent, reaching audiences in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa. They frequently promote figures like Burkina Faso’s military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, who seized power in a 2022 coup and portrays himself as a champion of pan-Africanism, resonating with many young Africans disillusioned with traditional politics.
While there is no definitive evidence of Russian involvement in the Ivorian coup rumors, the incident echoes previous disinformation campaigns linked to Russia in other West African countries. Notably, the US Department of Defense’s Africa Center for Strategic Studies reported on Russian-linked disinformation networks spreading coup rumors in Niger in 2023. The Ivorian incident also followed a period of strained relations between Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso, with accusations from the latter of harboring dissidents and supporting militant groups. While Burkina Faso’s government was not directly implicated in the disinformation campaign, individuals within the country actively amplified the false coup narrative.
The spread of the false coup rumors began with a pro-government activist in Burkina Faso, Harouna Sawadogo, who posted a video urging Ivorian soldiers to stage a coup. He followed this with a video featuring manipulated footage falsely depicting a coup in progress. The misinformation quickly gained traction, and was picked up and amplified by social media users outside of Francophone West Africa, spreading to English-speaking audiences. One notable amplifier was Mehmet Vefa Dag, a South African individual known for controversial views, who repeatedly celebrated the “internal coup” on social media, even after it was debunked. YouTube channels dedicated to pan-Africanism and discussions about Captain Traoré also contributed to the dissemination of the false narrative, garnering millions of views.
The incident raised concerns about the exploitation of pan-Africanist sentiment by influencers seeking to gain popularity and monetize their content. While the desire for accountable leadership resonates among many young Africans, some experts worry that the romanticization of military governments under the guise of pan-Africanism is counterproductive. The spread of disinformation not only creates anxiety and instability but also undermines genuine efforts towards promoting unity and progress on the continent. The case of the Ivorian coup rumors highlights the urgent need for media literacy, critical thinking, and robust fact-checking mechanisms to counter the spread of disinformation and its potentially damaging consequences. The incident served as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even relatively stable nations to disinformation campaigns, particularly in the context of pre-existing political tensions and a charged electoral environment.