KINSHASA, DR Congo, September 10, 2024 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/- On the sidelines of the International Day of Peace, celebrated on September 21 of each year, Radio Okapi organized, on September 4 in Kinshasa, a public program “Okapi Service” around the issue of disinformation and the dangers it poses to peace. Among the guests, information experts, artists as well as youth and student associations. All this followed by an attentive and curious audience, on the theme: “Disinformation: a scourge that undermines peace”.
In a national and international environment where disinformation and misinformation pose real threats to peace, for the Strategic Communication and Public Information Division of MONUSCO it was necessary to celebrate the day of peace by drawing public attention to these issues. Every year, recalled Amadou Ba, deputy director of Radio Okapi, The whole world observes the International Day of Peace, first established in 1981. Since then, this day has become a global symbol of strengthening the culture of peace, prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts. ».
In some parts of the country, peace is under threat due to false information. As evidence, peacekeepers wrongly accused of helping rebel groups have been prevented from intervening to secure people threatened by the activism of armed groups. “Peace is not a slogan, it must be lived every day.” “, Mr. Ba insisted, adding: ” Your contributions are valuable in our fight against disinformation, misinformation and hate speech which are major obstacles to lasting peace in the DRC. ».
The participants’ interventions quickly turned to the issue of regulating social networks. Ismaël, a listener, deplored the absence of any regulation: ” We have social networks that we left behind like an orphan of father and mother. It is as if there was no State to regulate the way in which we can disseminate information ».
“Okapi Service” being a debate show, there are also opposing points of view. Thus, Adjayi Kodjo Ndukuma, professor of digital law, further supported education on regulation. For him, it is necessary for the public to know how to verify the information that reaches them through the many broadcast channels. People need to be educated not to relay false information to interrupt the buzz circuit. “, the teacher stressed.
Artists were also there, which begs the question: what about art in all this? For slam poet Yekima De Bel Art, art can help in the fight against disinformation. Here he tells us how: ” Art is a power, a force. We are ambassadors of values, but we must realize this. It is only through text, art, composition that we can invite people to cultivate the culture of peace. “, he argued. Indeed, art, through its ability to touch hearts and minds, can play an important role in building peace.
This live and public issue of the magazine “Okapi Service” allowed us to take a clear look at the dangers that the spread of false information poses to the search for peace in the country. It highlighted the need for concerted actions, involving decision-makers, citizens, artists, young people, in short, communities in general.
The International Day of Peace will be another opportunity to recall the importance of verified and responsible information for the return of peace in the DR Congo.
Distributed by African Media Agency pour MONUSCO.
Source : African Media Agency (AMA)
2024-09-10 10:38:24
#Radio #Okapi #warns #dangers #disinformation #peace #
Table of Contents
Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Radio Okapi’s Commitment
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been plagued by conflict and violence for decades, with various regions experiencing instability and insecurity. In this tumultuous environment, Radio Okapi, the United Nations radio station in the DRC, has been a beacon of hope, promoting peace and stability through its programming and community engagement.
Celebrating the International Day of Peace
Every year, the International Day of Peace is observed on September 21, a global symbol of strengthening the culture of peace, prevention, and peaceful resolution of conflicts. In 2024, Radio Okapi organized a public program, “Okapi Service,” on September 4 in Kinshasa, focusing on the theme “Disinformation: a Scourge that Undermines Peace” [[1]]. The event brought together information experts, artists, and youth and student associations to discuss the dangers of disinformation and its impact on peace.
Disinformation: A Threat to Peace
In the DRC, false information has been used to fuel conflicts and undermine peace efforts. Peacekeepers have been wrongly accused of helping rebel groups, preventing them from intervening to secure people threatened by armed groups. Amadou Ba, deputy director of Radio Okapi, emphasized that “peace is not a slogan, it must be lived every day” [[1]]. He stressed the importance of living peace daily, encouraging individuals to contribute to creating a peaceful environment.
Radio Okapi’s 20-Year Commitment to Peace
Radio Okapi has been a committed partner in promoting peace in the DRC for 20 years. The radio station celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2022, marking two decades of dedication to strengthening the culture of peace, prevention, and peaceful resolution of conflicts [[2]].
Mega Concert for Peace
In addition to its regular programming, Radio Okapi has organized mega concerts for peace, such as the ”Journée de la paix” event in Goma, Nord-Kivu, which aimed to promote peace and stability in the region [[3]]. Similarly, the “Peace One Day” concert, held in Beni, Nord-Kivu, brought together artists and musicians to promote peace and unity [[3]].
Conclusion
Radio Okapi’s commitment to peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo is unwavering. Through its programming, community engagement, and events, the radio station continues to promote peace, stability, and unity in a region plagued by conflict and instability. As the International Day of Peace approaches, it is essential to recognize the importance of living peace daily and valuing the contributions of individuals and organizations like Radio Okapi in promoting a culture of peace.
References:
JOURNALISM fake news and disinformation
The Scourge of Disinformation: A Threat to Peace and Stability
Disinformation and misinformation have become rampant in today’s digital age, posing significant threats to peace and stability around the world. In recent years, the spread of false information has been linked to the erosion of trust in institutions, the rise of conflicts, and the undermining of democracy. As the world observes the International Day of Peace on September 21, it is essential to highlight the dangers of disinformation and its impact on peace-building efforts.
The Devastating Consequences of Disinformation
Disinformation can have devastating consequences, from inciting violence and hatred to undermining peacekeeping efforts. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, for instance, peacekeepers have been wrongly accused of helping rebel groups, preventing them from intervening to secure people threatened by armed groups [[3]]. This is just one example of how disinformation can lead to loss of life and perpetuate conflict.
The Role of Social Media in Disinformation
Social media has become a breeding ground for disinformation, with false information spreading like wildfire through various platforms. The lack of regulation on social media has created an environment where false information can spread quickly, often going unchecked and unverified. As Ismaël, a listener, pointed out, “We have social networks that we left behind like an orphan of father and mother. It is as if there was no State to regulate the way in which we can disseminate information” [[4]].
The Need for Education and Regulation
Education is key in the fight against disinformation. As Adjayi Kodjo Ndukuma, professor of digital law, emphasized, “People need to be educated not to relay false information to interrupt the buzz circuit” [[4]]. Regulation is also crucial
