The conference on the constitutive platform of media and communication regulators of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) took place in Niamey, Niger, on September 17-18, 2026. The event brought together regulators from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to address the challenges of disinformation, manipulation, and technological advancements in the media landscape. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Wendingoudi Louis Modeste Ouédraogo, president of the Conseil supérieur de la communication du Burkina Faso, Gaoussou Coulibaly, president of the Haute autorité de la communication du Mali, and Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, president of the Observatoire National de la Communication du Niger.
The conference aims to develop the capacity of AES member states to understand, protect, and control their information space. With the rise of digital platforms, artificial intelligence, and hate speech, the AES faces significant challenges in its quest for sovereignty. The regulators seek to establish a platform for cooperation, expertise, and collective action to address these challenges. Mashoul Abdoul Nasser, secretary general of the Niger Ministry of Communication and New Information Technologies, emphasized that information sovereignty is a crucial aspect of state sovereignty, enabling countries to know and control their information environment.
The platform is expected to facilitate the sharing of experiences, expertise, and rapid exchange of information on threats to information sovereignty. Regulators will work together to develop common responses to these threats and establish a joint mechanism for monitoring and alerting. They will also focus on strengthening cooperation in fact-checking, developing joint training programs, and enhancing the skills of journalists and regulators. The goal is to promote a free, pluralistic, and responsible communication space that protects citizens and guarantees their rights.
Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, president of the Observatoire National de la Communication du Niger, stressed that regulation must evolve in line with technological transformations, with a focus on protecting citizens and promoting a responsible communication space. He emphasized that information sovereignty is critical in this context, as it relies on the ability to understand the digital environment, produce credible information, and protect populations against manipulation. Diallo also highlighted the importance of exercising regulation in respect for freedom of expression, the right to information, and privacy.
The conference also addressed the need for regulators to be equipped to understand the mechanisms of content dissemination, algorithms, and new forms of manipulation. Mashoul Abdoul Nasser advised regulators to focus on training to enhance their skills in these areas. He also recommended that journalists receive training on fact-checking, sensitive topics, and responsible use of digital technologies. The goal is to promote a culture of responsible communication and information production.
The platform is expected to become a vital instrument for cooperation and collective action among AES member states. Regulators will work together to address the challenges of the digital age and promote a free and responsible communication space. The conference concluded with a call for strengthened cooperation and collaboration among regulators to ensure the effective regulation of the media and communication sector.
The event is seen as a significant step towards promoting information sovereignty and a responsible communication space in the AES region. The platform will enable regulators to share best practices, develop common standards, and address the challenges of disinformation and manipulation. By working together, regulators aim to promote a culture of transparency, accountability, and responsibility in the media and communication sector.
Key points
- The conference aims to establish a platform for cooperation and collective action among AES member states to address the challenges of disinformation and manipulation in the media landscape.
