Ituri Youth Empowered to Combat Misinformation and Foster Social Cohesion
BUNIA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – In a region grappling with persistent conflict and social fragmentation, a group of 33 young people from Bunia, Ituri, have emerged as beacons of hope in the fight against disinformation. From July 14th to 16th, 2025, these young individuals, including 18 young women, participated in a capacity-building workshop at Diangenda Public School, organized in partnership with the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Union of Young People Engaged for the Reconstruction of Congo (UJERCO). The workshop focused on equipping these young leaders with the critical thinking skills necessary to identify and counter the spread of misinformation, a growing threat to peace and stability in the region.
The scourge of disinformation, often amplified by the pervasive reach of social media, poses a significant challenge to peacebuilding efforts worldwide, and Ituri is no exception. In this volatile environment, where unfounded rumors can quickly escalate into violence and deepen social divisions, the workshop aimed to empower young people to become responsible digital citizens. Participants engaged in intensive discussions on “the role of young people in peacebuilding,” with a particular emphasis on the detrimental effects of false information circulating online. Through interactive sessions, they learned practical techniques for identifying dubious content, verifying sources, and adopting a critical mindset before sharing any information.
The urgency of addressing disinformation’s impact on youth was highlighted by Emmanuel Unen Can, coordinator of UJERCO. “Today’s youth is particularly exposed to manipulation,” he explained. “Disinformation can lead to violence or behavioral disorders. It was therefore urgent to talk to them about it and give them tools to protect themselves.” The workshop not only provided these young people with the necessary knowledge and skills but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility towards their communities.
Recognizing the power of peer-to-peer learning, participants committed to sharing their newfound knowledge with at least ten people within their social circles. This ripple effect approach aims to amplify the workshop’s impact and create a network of informed individuals actively combating misinformation within Bunia’s neighborhoods. By fostering more responsible online behavior among young people, the initiative seeks to establish them as crucial relays in stemming the tide of false information. “If each of them raises awareness among just ten or fifteen other young people, it can really move the needle,” Unen Can emphasized.
The Bunia workshop represents a component of a larger campaign spearheaded by MONUSCO and its partners to address the issue of misinformation across Ituri. The previous Saturday, a similar initiative engaged 130 young Muslims, including 80 women and girls, at the Bunia city mosque. This broader outreach underscores the collaborative nature of the campaign and its commitment to engaging diverse community groups. Imam Tchomba, president of the Union of Young Muslims for Development in Ituri, welcomed the campaign, highlighting its role in promoting peace, truth, and Islamic values.
The initiative also garnered praise from Adjati Saidabi Waga, a provincial advisor representing Muslim women. “We must encourage mothers to be vigilant,” she stated. “Sharing unverified information can cause great harm. Thanks to this awareness-raising, we now know that we must take time to verify before disseminating anything.” This emphasis on responsible information sharing resonates deeply within a context where misinformation can have severe consequences. By equipping individuals with the tools to critically evaluate information, the campaign empowers them to become active participants in building a more peaceful and informed society.
The young people who participated in the Bunia workshop represent a vital force for positive change in Ituri. By cultivating a culture of responsible information consumption and dissemination, they play a key role in strengthening social cohesion and contributing to a more peaceful future for the region. The workshop marks a significant step forward in mobilizing citizens to uphold the values of truth, responsibility, and peaceful coexistence, demonstrating the transformative potential of youth engagement in countering the corrosive effects of disinformation. The ripples of their actions are expected to extend far beyond their immediate circles, fostering a more informed and resilient community.