Rumors of Coup in Ivory Coast Linked to Emerging Pan-Africanist Influencers

A disinformation campaign regarding a purported coup in Ivory Coast highlights the growing influence of pan-Africanist social media personalities, generating unrest amidst a genuine political landscape on the brink of electoral change.

Amid rising political tensions leading to presidential elections in Ivory Coast, rumors of a coup sparked widespread alarm online. Earlier this year, the country's largest city, Abidjan, was flooded with false claims suggesting a military takeover was in progress. Notably, on May 19, social media exploded with dramatic videos and misleading reports, alarming residents like management consultant Mafalda Marchioro, who was caught off guard by international concerns for her safety.

As the country prepares for elections, rumors of instability have intensified, fueled by an increasing number of pan-Africanist influencers spreading disinformation. These influencers harness social media to cast doubt on the legitimacy of President Alassane Ouattarra's administration, who is seeking a fourth term in office. They often share narratives positioning him as complicit with Western exploitation, further threatening the nation's political fabric.

Ivory Coast’s Communication Minister Amadou Coulibaly has traced some origins of the misinformation back to neighboring countries without specifying which ones. Meanwhile, influencers have been leveraging a rift with Burkina Faso, amplifying hostility against Ouattarra and supporting military leaders, such as Capt Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso, whose rise to power in a 2022 coup resonates deeply with disillusioned youth across the region.

Experts observing these developments emphasize that this trend reflects a broader desire for assertive leadership in Africa, capitalizing on the frustrations of the populace towards existing governance structures. The phenomenon also appears to mirror tactics reminiscent of Russian disinformation campaigns previously noted in West Africa, though no concrete evidence links the Kremlin to current activities.

The discourse surrounding the coup rumors is often propagated by social media content creators who thrive on sensationalism, drawing significant views and shares. Pro-government activists, like Harouna Sawadogo from Burkina Faso, have been particularly influential, encouraging violent uprisings through platforms like TikTok and YouTube. Others, like South African Mehmet Vefa Dag, have spread the narrative, celebrating what they claim to be an internal coup.

This whirlwind of misinformation not only exploits the political climate in West Africa but has a profound impact on the local populace, inducing anxiety and unrest ahead of the October elections. Young audiences are pulled into this narrative, as the charisma of military leaders casts a shadow over democratic governance. While some influencers approach this content with political ideals, others leverage it for personal gain, creating a complex landscape of motivations driving this disinformation.

Thus, the running discourse around a coup in Ivory Coast serves as a harbinger of the region's turbulent political zeitgeist, necessitating vigilance amidst a backdrop of disintegrating trust in traditional political entities. As the elections approach, the confluence of social media misinformation poses real threats to regional stability and democratic integrity in Ivory Coast.