NAMA4PD Project Advances with Week-Long Workshops in Senegal
Dakar – We are thrilled to share the success of our recent workshops in Senegal as part of the NAMA4PD (Narrative Management for Peace Through Dialogue) project! Our dedicated team from Freie Universität Berlin, AHDIS, Project Lighthouse Africa, and Université Gaston Berger joined forces with leading West African experts to tackle the pressing issue of disinformation and propaganda.
A Collaborative Effort Towards Peaceful Development
Over the course of five days, from May 6th to May 10th, 2024, we engaged in intensive discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at developing a citizen-based training concept focused on combating disinformation. The workshops brought together a diverse group of professionals from academia, journalism, and civil society, all of whom contributed their expertise in disinformation, peace communication, and journalism.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners Polaris Asso, Africa Check, DW Akademie, Fasocheck, Global Investigative Journalism Network, ARTICLE 19, GIZ Senegal, Gambia, Cabo Verde, PLATEFORME DES FEMMES POUR LA PAIX EN CASAMANCE, East Bavarian Technical University of Regensburg, and Bavarian State Chancellery for their invaluable participation. Together, we are laying the groundwork for future collaborations aimed at fostering peaceful development in the region.
Focus on Prebunking Strategies and Practical Tools
The #NAMA4PD project seeks to understand the role of destabilizing narratives and disinformation in West Africa, particularly in Senegal, amidst the rapid digital media changes and geopolitical dynamics. Our workshops focused on “prebunking” or “inoculation” strategies, which are currently underutilized but hold significant potential in the fight against disinformation.
During the workshops, local experts collaborated to develop tools and training methods that can be implemented in future education programs. These practical tools are designed to empower local actors to recognize and counteract disinformation effectively. The thematic sessions built upon previous workshops held in Ziguinchor, Senegal and Berlin, Germany, ensuring that our strategies are tailored to meet the specific needs of the region.
Looking Ahead: Optimizing and Expanding Our Efforts
The insights and tools developed during this workshop series will play a crucial role in optimizing current measures against disinformation and propaganda. Our next steps involve the development of a comprehensive train-the-trainer concept, which will be instrumental in equipping future knowledge carriers with the skills needed to sustain and expand these efforts.
We look forward to continuing our work with our partners and local communities to promote peaceful conflict resolution, strengthen civil society, and build resilience against disinformation in West Africa.
