In preparation for the Senegalese legislative elections held on 17 November 2024, AfricTivistes co-organised a sensitisation and training workshop on electoral disinformation in collaboration with the Alliance for Migration, Leadership, and Development (AMLD). The exercise aimed to equip participants with the necessary tools to combat the spread of fake news, thereby promoting a transparent and inclusive electoral process.  

On 30 and 31 October 2024, in Dakar, the workshop, themed “Disinformation in Pre-, During, and Post-Electoral Periods”, brought together 100 participants, mainly women and young people from political circles, civil society, and the media.  

Organised by the Alliance for Migration, Leadership, and Development (AMLD) in collaboration with AfricTivistes and other partners, the event specifically sought to:  

– Strengthen participants’ capacity to identify and effectively counter disinformation.  

– Promote political leadership among women and young people.  

– Encourage active and informed participation in the electoral process.  

– Raise awareness of the consequences of fake news, particularly its impact on gender and society.  

Participants were introduced to various aspects of combating electoral disinformation, including the legal and legislative framework governing fake news; the distinction between disinformation, rumours, and fake news; the responsible use of social media; and the role of artificial intelligence and emotional intelligence in politics.  

Like many other countries, Senegal faces an increasing spread of false information, particularly through social media and other digital platforms. This phenomenon intensifies during electoral periods, undermining the quality of public debate and eroding citizens’ trust in democratic institutions.  

Although legislative provisions such as Article 255 of the Penal Code penalise the dissemination of fake news, these measures remain insufficient to address the scale of the problem. This highlights the urgency of initiatives such as this workshop to raise awareness and equip key stakeholders.  

The workshop alternated between plenary sessions and group work, facilitated by experts in communication, law, and political leadership. Online preparatory sessions helped structure discussions and ensure participant engagement.  

By empowering women and young people, this workshop contributes to building a more transparent and inclusive democracy. Combating disinformation remains a crucial issue in ensuring credible elections and informed citizen participation.  

By co-organising this workshop, AfricTivistes—a key player in the defence of human rights and the promotion of democracy in Africa—continues to uphold its commitment to fostering the democratisation of quality information.