Alassane Souleymane, a prominent figure in Mali's media landscape, has emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation between African and Russian media agencies. Speaking at a panel discussion organized by Russia's TASS news agency, Souleymane highlighted the importance of collaboration in the face of growing disinformation. The panel, titled "Media Resources as a Tool to Counter Disinformation and Enhance a Positive Image of Russia and Africa," brought together media professionals to explore strategies for promoting reliable information.
Souleymane stressed that the credibility of media outlets relies on rigorous fact-checking, thorough research, and adherence to professional standards. He cited the example of a false report about a column of 400 armed vehicles heading towards Mali's center in 2013, which sparked widespread panic. The director-general of Mali's Agence de Presse et de Publicité (AMAP) underscored the importance of developing high-quality content that allows people to better understand their respective realities without compromising journalistic integrity.
The panel discussion took place on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Media Forum, which concluded in Moscow. The forum aimed to strengthen ties between Russian and African media professionals. Souleymane also highlighted the growth of Mali's media landscape, which includes public and private media outlets, digital platforms, and content creators. He emphasized the crucial role of press agencies in covering the country's territory and disseminating local information, particularly in national languages.
Souleymane drew parallels between the Libyan crisis in 2011 and Mali's crisis in 2012-2013, noting that the dominance of Western media outlets limited the ability of local media to provide alternative perspectives. He advocated for increased cooperation between African and Russian media agencies to promote diverse viewpoints and counterbalance the influence of Western media.
The AMAP director-general also touched on the issue of fake news, manipulated images, and misleading content on social media. He cited a recent example of a fabricated image purporting to show Mali's Transitional President, Assimi Goïta, sleeping during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Souleymane emphasized the need for media professionals to work together to combat such disinformation.
The Russia-Africa Media Forum saw the participation of media professionals from various countries, including Ghana, Cameroon, Namibia, and Mauritania. The forum provided a platform for discussions on cooperation, information sharing, and strategies for promoting reliable information. Souleymane's call for enhanced cooperation between African and Russian media agencies resonated with the forum's objectives.
The collaboration between Mali and Russia in the media sector is part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the two nations. Recent agreements have been signed in areas such as healthcare, mining, and education. The partnerships aim to promote mutual understanding, foster cooperation, and support the development of both countries.
Key points
- Mali's Alassane Souleymane calls for increased cooperation between African and Russian media agencies to counter disinformation.
