The circulation of false information on social media is a major concern in the fragile security and health context of North Kivu, according to Samuel Don Sekanabo, president of the Beni City Youth Parliament. He made these remarks in an interview with Radio Okapi on October 3, 2026. Sekanabo emphasized that misinformation exploits citizens' vulnerability during security or health crises, leading to panic, inter-community tensions, and complicating rescue efforts and law enforcement actions.
Sekanabo stressed that in a region like Beni, a false information piece is not just an internet lie; it can have tragic consequences and cost lives. He urged social media users to adopt simple reflexes to verify information before sharing it to limit rumor propagation. This includes checking the information's origin, favoring official channels and credible media, being cautious of sensationalist titles or fear- and hate-inciting messages, and never sharing unverified texts, audios, or images.
The Beni Youth Parliament plans to continue its awareness-raising actions, particularly among young people, to promote responsible social media use and contribute to the fight against information manipulation. Sekanabo's concerns come as the region faces a fragile security situation, with previous incidents of violence and humanitarian crises. The youth parliament's efforts aim to mitigate the impact of misinformation on local communities.
According to Sekanabo, misinformation can have severe consequences, including creating panic, fueling inter-community tensions, and hindering rescue efforts. He cited examples of how false information has led to tragic outcomes in the past, emphasizing the need for vigilance and critical thinking when consuming and sharing information online.
The Beni Youth Parliament's president recommended verifying information through second sources and being cautious of messages that aim to incite fear or hatred. He also encouraged users to prioritize credible sources and official channels when accessing information. By adopting these simple habits, social media users can help prevent the spread of misinformation.
Sekanabo's interview with Radio Okapi was part of the station's efforts to engage with local leaders and discuss pressing issues affecting the community. The conversation highlighted the need for collaboration between authorities, civil society, and citizens to address the challenges posed by misinformation in the region.
The issue of online misinformation in Beni is part of a broader concern about the impact of social media on security and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The government and local authorities have faced challenges in addressing the spread of false information, which can have far-reaching consequences for communities and the country as a whole.
Key points
- The Beni Youth Parliament is promoting responsible social media use to combat misinformation.
- Misinformation can have severe consequences, including creating panic and fueling inter-community tensions.
- Verifying information through credible sources can help prevent the spread of misinformation.
