The Gambia’s Minister for Information and communication, Ebrima Sillah, on Thursday launched the Gambia’s first ever factcheck Gambia web portal, a platform to debunk all forms of fake news.
The initiative is supported by UNESCO through the United Nations Peace Building Fund, as part of its initiative to debunk fake news, misinformation and disinformation on https://factcheckgambia.org/
FactCheck Gambia is the country’s first and, so far, only indigenous independent digital fact-checking platform.
The platform is aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and disinformation on both traditional and social media by targeting and correcting false and misleading claims or statements.
Ebrima Sillah, The Gambia’s Information Minister, said the initiative is timely and apt as it will strengthen the country’s democratic process. He went on to denounce all forms of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
The launched of the new fact-check web was preceded by three-day training for journalists on fact-checking in July as it was deemed critical to empower the media with tools, resources and skills to counter the phenomenon of disinformation and misinformation.
Michel Elvis Kenmoe, Head of Communications and Information Sector with UNESCO, observes, with concern, the growing menace of information disorder, which can undermine democracy. He hopes the purpose of the initiative is realized for the betterment of the country.
As The Gambia prepares for December presidential election amidst an atmosphere filled with misinformation and disinformation, Aisata De of the UNDP, on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, emphasised that the capacity to effectively check facts is not only necessary but indispensable.
She recognises the media’s crucial role as watchdogs in promoting credible elections and sees fact-checking as of paramount importance during elections for debunking misinformation and disinformation.
The web portal will be managed by the Media Academy for Journalism and Communications (MAJAC), Managing Director, Sang Mendy, said the spreading of false information weakens democracy.
Modou S. Joof, Senior Program Officer of The Gambia Press Union, said the press union is proud to be associated with the initiative.
Following its launch, maintaining the platform requires the continuous support of UNESCO and other partners to help counter fake news, which is a fast-growing challenge for journalists. The public can visit the FactCheck Gambia website to read publication and share claims or statements for verification by a team of well-trained fact-checkers.
BY: Alieu Ceesay
The initiative is supported by UNESCO through the United Nations Peace Building Fund, as part of its initiative to debunk fake news, misinformation and disinformation on https://factcheckgambia.org/
FactCheck Gambia is the country’s first and, so far, only indigenous independent digital fact-checking platform.
The platform is aimed at curbing the spread of misinformation and disinformation on both traditional and social media by targeting and correcting false and misleading claims or statements.
Ebrima Sillah, The Gambia’s Information Minister, said the initiative is timely and apt as it will strengthen the country’s democratic process. He went on to denounce all forms of fake news, misinformation and disinformation.
The launched of the new fact-check web was preceded by three-day training for journalists on fact-checking in July as it was deemed critical to empower the media with tools, resources and skills to counter the phenomenon of disinformation and misinformation.
Michel Elvis Kenmoe, Head of Communications and Information Sector with UNESCO, observes, with concern, the growing menace of information disorder, which can undermine democracy. He hopes the purpose of the initiative is realized for the betterment of the country.
As The Gambia prepares for December presidential election amidst an atmosphere filled with misinformation and disinformation, Aisata De of the UNDP, on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator, Seraphine Wakana, emphasised that the capacity to effectively check facts is not only necessary but indispensable.
She recognises the media’s crucial role as watchdogs in promoting credible elections and sees fact-checking as of paramount importance during elections for debunking misinformation and disinformation.
The web portal will be managed by the Media Academy for Journalism and Communications (MAJAC), Managing Director, Sang Mendy, said the spreading of false information weakens democracy.
Modou S. Joof, Senior Program Officer of The Gambia Press Union, said the press union is proud to be associated with the initiative.
Following its launch, maintaining the platform requires the continuous support of UNESCO and other partners to help counter fake news, which is a fast-growing challenge for journalists. The public can visit the FactCheck Gambia website to read publication and share claims or statements for verification by a team of well-trained fact-checkers.
BY: Alieu Ceesay