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Africa's Information Warriors: Young Congolese Journalists Work Against the Spread of False Information
December 17, 2024
CategoryAfrica Central
Content TypePackage
LanguageEnglish
Transcript/Script((INTRO))
[[In the city of Goma, a group of Congolese journalists are battling a flood of medical misinformation that can have tragic consequences. Reporter Zanem Nety Zaidi has this story from Goma, the Democratic Republic of Congo.]]
((VIDEO: IMAGES OF ELEZA RDC JOURNALISTS IN THE OFFICE.))
((NARRATOR))
These journalists working in Goma are fighting a flood of false information about war and disease.
((VIDEO: IMAGES OF JOURNALISTS DISCUSSING A PUBLICATION FOUND ON THE INTERNET.))
((NARRATOR))
In a region plagued by conflict and healthcare challenges, fact-checkers at the Congolese publication Eleza Fact fight misinformation, like the myth that mpox — previously called monkeypox — doesn’t exist and is merely scabies. Aline Kataliko says their work is vital to public health and building trust.
((Aline Kataliko, Eleza Fact)) ((Female, in French)) ((For website screengrabs, mandatory courtesy: Eleza Fact))
“There are rumors about monkeypox that say, for example, that the vaccine is aimed at the extermination of the Congolese people. We are already observing the dangers of these rumors as they can harm the whole community and prevent the disease from being eradicated.”
((NARRATOR))
Since 2021, the 25 journalists at Eleza Fact, including Joel Alimasi Kitambala, have been raising awareness about the dangers of misinformation.
((Joel Alimasi Kitambala, Eleza Fact)) ((Male, in French))
“To verify facts, we put in keywords, and every time there’s a post containing those keywords, we get notifications on all the publications concerned. If they feel the need for it, they assign a fact-checker team member who starts working on the organization in question.”
((VIDEO: IMAGES FROM A FACT-CHECKING SPECIALIST.))
((NARRATOR)) ((For website screengrabs, mandatory courtesy: Eleza Fact))
Eleza Fact's articles are published on their website, shared on social media, and broadcast via local radio stations to reach those without internet access.
A lot of the misinformation involves medical conspiracies similar to the one about mpox. Journalist Joylen Kazimoto reported on misinformation about COVID-19 in this podcast.
((VIDEO: NAT SOUND FROM AN EXCERPT OF A BROADCAST IN WHICH A JOURNALIST FROM ELEZA FACT TALKS ABOUT MISINFORMATION ON COVID-19.))
((Joylen Kazimoto, Eleza Fact)) ((Female, in French))
“In Kinshasa, the city where I live, I've noticed a general reluctance on the part of a category of the population to join the fight against COVID-19, as many don't believe in the existence of this disease. Most of the people who are doubtful are those on the outskirts of the city.”
((NARRATOR))
Editor Daniel Makeke says these efforts are important in combating disinformation.
((Daniel Makeke, Eleza Fact)) ((Male, in French))
“Radio stations relay the podcasts, which raise awareness of diseases and epidemics, how to get treatment, the truth behind the treatment, and the origin of monkeypox, etc. In this way, we can reach even those who do not have access to digital technology, who are being helped by the results of the verification work we are carrying out.”
((VIDEO: IMAGES OF ELEZA FACT JOURNALISTS IN THE OFFICE.))
((NARRATOR))
Makeke says Eleza Fact project’s efforts help prevent the spread of false news, which can have harmful consequences.
((Zanem Nety Zaidi, VOA Africa, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
