Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Space
Purpose
- Social Media Usage in Africa
- Social Media as a Tool for Radicalisation and extremism
- Alternative Infrastructure for Peace
- Cyber Security in Africa
- The concept of Digital Security
Learning Objectives
- Learn the significance of using modern, virtual means of communication to set development agenda, notably harmonious relationships between adherents of different faiths to ensure peace.
- Examine the art of war on violent extremism and the need to break the barriers of geography and ethnicity.
- Understood specific ethical considerations that make the strategy worth the while and preventive measures against vices like cyber-attack/terrorism.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Space
Tutor: Sada Malumfashi
Very enlightening information! Again, I am curious about how we can address radicalisation on social media at the policy level.
This is definitely something that all participants should discus so we see what new perspectives can be added from other countries? Perhaps this can help shape and shift the African response to these issues. Would you like to help lead this conversation, Fanidh?
Yes, I’m happy to lead the discussion :). I could also post the same info in the francophone groups. I think we first need to figure out the kind of initiatives African governments have taken in the past to regulate online interactions for the mitigation of VE and hate speech. I know this isn’t a priority for the Burkinabe government. But I wonder…would having an “internet police” really help stop VE, or would they just find another platform the propagate hate speeches. Also, because Facebook is a private business, things get more complicated. I guess this is why it’s important to leverage our individual agency by transforming the platform through PCVE media rather than waiting on the government and Facebook to come up with proper policies that disable VE online? Musa’s idea on leveraging old media is equally great although I think young people might be easier to reach on Facebook. I guess there’s no easy answer and it has to be a systematic approach. Looking forward to reading what everyone else thinks.
We are so happy. This is exactly the sort of conversation we hoped that this platform will start. This is just the benginning.
Great presentation 👍
I believe the old media can also be used as tools for countering VE because they’re also currently available in digital forms, all they need to do is create a more accommodating and engaging experience for the target users. It might give them a little lift in challenging the likes of Facebook who’re major platforms used by VE groups. Just a thought 👍
I didnt know that my country kenya is the third most active users in the continent. its about time that we use this platforms to counter radicalisation.
Whoever knows how to use the tools better will win the narrative. I’ll hold on to this. Countering them comes with lots of knowledge. Countering online Jihads do you think one should read their thoughts so as to counter them?
I buy into your school of thought here.
Great information! God bless you.
the narrative will only be won by those who have more knowledge. I think we don’t necessarily have to sit and wait for pointers or terrorist messages or propaganda and counter them, we can drive our own narratives that are true and campaign /spread the narratives in social media platforms ,both traditional and non traditional. Probably even set a date and day where the whole continent comes together to celebrate and appreciate the efforts made in curbing terrorism while spreading more positive narratives. Also coming up with toll numbers to report incidences of terror in respective countries.
Learnt alot ,thanks .
These are very practical suggestions!
I agree. A proactive, rather than reactive approach.
Exciting presentation. I think, first is to create a platform then create targeted and focused messages. Most time we create content without involving the target audience, and thats how we miss the target.
This is very very important. And this is what our project is about. Let’s all work together to get the messaging right.
‘Lets make peace viral!’ so cool and on point. Well done Sada.
It’s indeed a slogan to live by.
We need to be aware that extremists are constantly developing ways to spread their agenda. This means that we too have to be in constant mode of developing new ways of not only reactionary ways of countering and responding to their acts but also creating offensive soft power against them.
Very well articulated. Strategic communication is at the heart of CVE. The good thing is that strategic CVE can backed by government policy and does not need to be blocked or pulled down. However, I think it should be open, honest and appealing to the targets so that they be persuaded by the messages.
We have to always keep ensuring that we not only know the methods the extremists think will work for them, but we must also educate our people across the continent about why it’s important to stay vigilant about whatever tactics the extremists/terrorists plan on using, even if they decide to go online to spread their agenda further. As Africans, we must remember that we’re from a continent that is yet to fully embrace a digital world, and extremists can capitalize on the lack of knowledge some African people may not have to continue their agenda.
That is why the young generation from Africa who are technologically smart are the ones to update everybody about important news/articles giving more knowledge about the responsibility behind what is posted to be listened to, watched online or read online.
The keyword being ‘Strategic’. Great session. Thank you Mr. Malumfashi.
Great Lesson on Communication strategies and their usage on PCVE