Social Media Fuels False Coup Rumors in Ivory Coast Amid Regional Unrest; There Is No Coup In The Ivory Coast

 

Recent weeks have seen an unsettling wave of military coup promotions sweeping across West Africa, largely fueled by social media narratives. While some analysts suggest that these campaigns might be orchestrated or at least encouraged by external actors—specifically pointing fingers at Russia—the Kremlin has publicly denied any involvement in the spreading of such content.

Over the past 48 hours, the Ivory Coast has been the target of alarming rumors suggesting a military takeover. These claims have been quickly debunked by residents of Abidjan, the country’s economic capital, who report normalcy on the ground. Nevertheless, those spreading misinformation have circulated videos purportedly showing violent clashes in Abidjan’s streets. Upon closer examination, these videos are actually from unrelated incidents elsewhere, misleading the public into believing unrest is widespread in the Ivorian city.

False reports have also surfaced claiming that President Alassane Ouattara fled the country amid the alleged chaos. Contrary to these assertions, the president was seen presiding over a government cabinet meeting just yesterday, underscoring the falsehood of the coup narrative.

The initial spark for this disinformation campaign appears to have originated in Ghana before quickly migrating across borders to Nigeria and then onto Ivory Coast. The cross-border spread of such destabilizing rumors points to a troubling trend in the region’s political discourse, where social media has become a powerful yet dangerous tool for manipulation.

Citizens in Abidjan have expressed frustration and concern over the spread of fake news, emphasizing the importance of verifying information before sharing it. The Ivorian government has not officially confirmed any coup activity, instead urging the public to remain calm and avoid falling for rumors designed to sow fear and confusion.

This episode highlights the growing challenge faced by West African nations in combating disinformation campaigns that threaten political stability. While the real motivations behind these falsehoods remain unclear, experts caution that such tactics can easily inflame tensions in a region already grappling with governance and security issues.

As the situation stands, the Ivory Coast continues its daily operations without disruption, refuting claims of any coup attempt. Authorities and citizens alike remain vigilant, recognizing that in the age of instant information, the line between fact and fiction can blur dangerously fast.