Testing the fault lines: Afro-European strategies against disinformation

Venue: Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union​, Rue du Luxembourg, 47-51, 4th floor, 1050 Brussels

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung's European Union office and the Global Unit for Human Security invite you to a study presentation and roundtable discussion on disinformation and electoral interference, focusing on common issues, strategies, and partnerships between Europe and Africa.

Disinformation and AI-driven manipulation are now global threats to democracy. In December 2024, Romania’s Constitutional Court annulled the results of the country’s presidential election, citing mass disinformation amplified by TikTok and backed by Russia. Recent elections in South Africa, Kenya, and Germany were also marred by widespread disinformation, fake websites, and AI-generated content. In this context, the EU and various governments are launching initiatives - such as the upcoming Democracy Shield - tasked to counter interference and defend democracy. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, efforts to counter dis/misinformation are often framed as threats to free speech and tech giants are scaling back oversight.

Join us for a roundtable discussion exploring how Europe and Africa can learn from each other and collaborate in the fight against disinformation. This event will feature the presentation of the study “Testing the Fault Lines” by the fact-checking organisation “Africa Check”, examining the circulation of false information during elections in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal. Our exchange will be guided by the following questions:

• What are the key challenges that both Europe and Africa face in combating disinformation, and how can their policies align to address these issues more effectively?
• What institutional mechanisms are available to counter disinformation, and how can they be used effectively?
• What joint strategies can Europe and Africa adopt to ensure long-term resilience against manipulation of their democratic processes?
• How do we guard against external interference without neglecting internal challenges that create fertile ground for disinformation to thrive?

Speakers:

• Alan Finlay, Author of the study “Testing the Fault Lines”
• Sébastien Babaud, Information & Communication Officer, Sub-Saharan Africa Task force, European External Action Service
• Natalie Loiseau MEP (Renew), Chair of the Special committee on the European Democracy Shield, tbc

Moderated by Dr. Siavash Eshghi, Program Coordinator at the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Global Unit for Human Security, Vienna.

The discussion will open with a presentation of key takeaways from Africa, followed by input from a European perspective, setting the stage for the dialogue.

We look forward to having you with us! You are welcome to forward this invitation to potentially interested people.

Please register here by April 24, 2025. For any questions, please contact siavash.eshghi@at.boell.org