Our Reporter, Abuja
Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has applauded the adoption of a new Policy Framework on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel, describing it as a timely and vital step in combating the threats posed by disinformation, misinformation, and other harmful practices within the region’s information ecosystem.
The framework was adopted on September 5 at the close of a three-day multi-stakeholder Regional Conference on Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel, held in Praia, Cape Verde, and jointly organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Government of Cape Verde.
The 19-page document seeks to promote trust in the information environment while advancing digital platform governance and safeguarding human rights. It comes against the backdrop of the region’s growing exposure to false narratives, hate speech, and the misuse of digital and emerging technologies to harm individuals and communities.
In a statement issued Monday in Lagos, MRA Programme Officer, Ms. Adesewa Akintokun, commended UNESCO, governments, regional bodies, and civil society stakeholders for their role in producing the framework.
“At a time when the spread of false and misleading information undermines democracy, fuels conflict, and erodes public trust in institutions, this initiative provides an important blueprint for fostering a healthier and more resilient information environment,” she said.
Akintokun stressed that MRA is particularly encouraged by the framework’s emphasis on protecting fundamental rights—such as freedom of expression and access to information—while promoting accountability, transparency, and ethical standards across state and non-state actors. According to her, this balanced approach is essential to ensuring that measures to curb harmful content are not used as a cover for censorship or the suppression of legitimate expression.
She also highlighted the adoption of complementary instruments, including the “Praia Action Plan for Information Integrity in West Africa and the Sahel” and the “Guide for Regulators to Implement the Information Integrity Model Policy & Framework in West Africa and the Sahel.” These, she noted, mark significant milestones but cautioned that the real test of success will lie in their implementation.
Akintokun urged stakeholders to show political will and collaboration to transform the framework into concrete actions that strengthen information integrity and bolster democratic resilience.
“As an organization committed to advancing media freedom, access to information, and the digital rights of citizens, MRA looks forward to working with national governments, regional bodies, civil society organizations, the media, and other stakeholders in the effective implementation of the framework,” she said.
MRA further pledged continued advocacy for policies and practices that protect journalists, reinforce media institutions, and empower citizens to play active roles in democratic governance.
