CJID Deploys Team to Counter Disinformation During Côte d’Ivoire Presidential Election

The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has dispatched a specialized team to Côte d’Ivoire to monitor and combat election misinformation ahead of the country’s October 2025 presidential election.

The team, consisting of researchers, journalists, and fact-checkers, will utilize CJID’s AI-powered Election Information Observatory to track, document, and counter false information that could potentially undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

Working in collaboration with the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), local media outlets, and civil society organizations, CJID will leverage its fact-checking platform DUBAWA to provide citizens with verified, real-time election information. This initiative aims to ensure voters have access to accurate updates and fact-checked reports throughout the election cycle.

“The credibility of elections depends not only on transparent administration but also on the integrity of the information environment,” said Akintunde Babatunde, CJID’s Executive Director. “Our work in Côte d’Ivoire will help ensure that citizens make informed decisions based on facts, not falsehoods.”

The organization has already established a presence in the West African nation, having operated there for approximately 18 months. In recent weeks, CJID conducted training sessions for journalists on identifying election-related disinformation and provided guidance to first-time voters.

“For us, the media is central to building a democratic society,” Babatunde added. “We are grateful to WANEP, CIVICUS, and other partners working with us to strengthen the country’s information ecosystem.”

The deployment represents an expansion of CJID’s regional footprint, building on its electoral work in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Guinea. In these countries, the organization has provided support to electoral institutions, media organizations, and civil society groups to strengthen democratic processes.

As part of this initiative, CJID’s Media in National Elections (MiNE) team will deploy researchers, data analysts, and open-source intelligence experts to generate data-driven insights on media’s role in democratic participation across West Africa. Their research is expected to contribute to a deeper understanding of the relationship between media ecosystems, democracy, and regional development.

The threat of misinformation during electoral periods has become an increasing concern across Africa, where social media platforms can rapidly spread false information. This problem is particularly acute during high-stakes national elections, where political tensions and competition can fuel the creation and dissemination of misleading content.

West Africa has witnessed several democratic transitions in recent years, but challenges persist in maintaining election integrity and promoting transparent information environments. Organizations like CJID have emerged as critical players in safeguarding democratic processes by promoting fact-based journalism and combating false narratives.

Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria, CJID operates across more than a dozen African countries. The non-profit organization focuses on advancing independent media, civic technology, and democratic accountability through research, training, and strategic partnerships.

The organization’s approach combines technological tools with capacity building for journalists and civic engagement to create a more resilient information ecosystem. By strengthening journalistic standards, promoting transparency, and combating misinformation, CJID aims to empower citizens and reinforce democratic institutions throughout the continent.

The upcoming Ivorian presidential election represents a critical moment for the country’s democratic development, following periods of political instability in its recent history. By supporting information integrity during this electoral cycle, CJID seeks to contribute to a more informed electorate and a more transparent democratic process in Côte d’Ivoire.