On September 28, the world celebrates the International Day for Universal Access to Information. In Chad, many citizens and journalists face a significant obstacle: obtaining official information in a timely, clear, and verifiable manner. This has led to a situation where rumors spread quickly. Journalists like Hélène often turn to WhatsApp when they hear important information, not because they consider the platform reliable, but because they struggle to find official confirmation quickly.
The lack of access to official information in Chad is a longstanding issue, according to Reporters without Borders. Despite the country's laws recognizing freedom of the press and the right to information, citizens and journalists find it difficult to obtain timely and accurate information. A recent incident illustrates this challenge: in early August 2026, a Facebook post by the government's general secretariat announced the appointment of Fatimé Abdelkerim Soumaila as head of the Chad Hydrocarbons Company. Several media outlets reported the news, only for the government to later claim it was fake news.
The absence of official information does not single-handedly create misinformation but reduces the ability of citizens and media to verify information quickly. Journalists need identifiable sources, documents, or official responses to verify information. Without these, the process of verification becomes lengthy, allowing rumors to spread faster than established facts. This was evident in early September when a communiqué announcing a ban on drone usage circulated widely, only to be denied by the Ministry of Security a few hours later.
These incidents demonstrate the challenges faced by Chadian newsrooms in dealing with unverified documents, incomplete information, or announcements that are difficult to verify. In several neighboring countries, government administrations have adopted more transparent communication practices, such as regular press releases, press conferences, and updates to institutional platforms. These practices do not eliminate all access issues but provide journalists and citizens with more verifiable information.
Access to information is not just about the right to request explanations; it also requires institutions to publish useful, understandable, accessible, and timely information. This helps prevent rumors from becoming the primary source of information for the public. The September 28 celebration highlights that reliable information is a public good, essential for building trust among citizens, media, and institutions.
The UNESCO advocates for universal access to information, arguing that it strengthens public participation and the quality of democratic life. In Chad, improving access to official information would enable journalists to perform their watchdog role more effectively and enhance the public's ability to make informed decisions. This, in turn, can foster a more informed and engaged citizenry.
As Chad and the world celebrate the International Day for Universal Access to Information, stakeholders are reminded of the need for governments to prioritize transparency and access to information. By doing so, they can help mitigate the spread of misinformation, promote fact-based discourse, and ultimately enhance the health of democracy. The Chadian government can draw lessons from neighboring countries and work towards creating a more transparent and communicative environment.
Key points
- Chad struggles with access to official information, leading to the spread of rumors and misinformation.
- The lack of access to information reduces the ability of citizens and media to verify information quickly.
- Improving access to official information can enhance public participation, the quality of democratic life, and trust among citizens, media, and institutions.
