Understanding the Spread of Coup Rumors in Ivory Coast and the Role of Pan-African Influencers

In May, false reports of a coup in Ivory Coast circulated widely on social media, largely driven by pan-Africanist influencers promoting anti-Western sentiment. These rumors undermine local stability ahead of impending elections and signify a growing trend of misinformation in West Africa.

In May, a wave of anxiety swept through Abidjan, the largest city in Ivory Coast, as social media platforms erupted with claims of an impending coup. This disinformation was deeply unsettling for residents like Mafalda Marchioro, a management consultant, who received messages from relatives abroad expressing concern for her safety. The concrete reality, however, was that no coup was taking place; the rumors were fabrications that exemplify the rise of misinformation regarding political stability in West Africa.

As the country gears up for presidential elections, the growing uncertainty has been linked to the influence of self-styled pan-Africanist figures who promote narratives discouraging ties with the West. Despite their ideological stance, experts suggest this disinformation is intended to erode public trust in established governments. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattarra, campaigning for a fourth term, is often portrayed by critics as a pawn of Western interests. The recent coup rumors reflect a broader pattern in the region, where multiple military coups have occurred in the past few years, raising alarm about the potential for political instability.

Ivory Coast's Communications Minister, Amadou Coulibaly, indicated that the origins of these false claims were traced back to “neighboring countries,” though he did not elaborate on which nations were involved. Influencers aligned with the government of Burkina Faso, led by Capt Ibrahim Traoré—who himself came to power via a coup—have garnered significant traction for their narratives that reject Western influence and advocate for a new political order in Africa.

These influencers have leveraged platforms like YouTube to propel their messages. Alex Vines from Chatham House points out that this trend appears aimed at cultivating skepticism towards current political regimes and establishing a more assertive African political landscape. Although analyzed disinformation campaigns have drawn some parallels to Russian interference, current evidence linking them directly to such foreign actors remains unfounded.

Tensions between Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast have escalated in recent years. Accusations by Traoré's regime regarding Ivorian complicity in supporting militant activities reflect a deteriorating relationship, further energizing these coup-oriented narratives on social media. Reports $like that of a TikTok influencer from Burkina Faso urging soldiers in Ivory Coast to act against their government have amplified fears, leading to misinformed predictions of unrest.

While authenticity in this political discourse remains vital for democracy, some influencers appear to exploit the yearning among youth for accountable leadership, creating narratives that misrepresent reality for personal gain. This exploitation not only ignites reactions in various countries across the continent—including Nigeria and Kenya—but also prompts existential dread for those living under potential threats to their governance structures.

Certainly, the videos painting a scenario of chaos in Ivory Coast received millions of views, revealing a thirst for stories centered on dramatic political change, even as content creators tangle with truth and narrative. It’s exacerbated by a climate of disillusionment towards current leadership and existing socio-political structures, portraying military-led governance as a hopeful alternative.

As Ivory Coast approaches its October election, the ramifications of these unchecked rumors are palpable, creating an environment ripe for tension and fear among its populace and heightening the stakes for potential political violence. The implications of digital narratives rooted in misinformation can potentially destabilize a nation at a critical political juncture, indicating the dire need for vigilant media literacy and responsible information dissemination in the digital age.