Regulators from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) convened in Niamey, Niger, on Thursday, September 17, 2026, for a two-day conference aimed at developing a united strategy against disinformation. The conference, which is scheduled to take place in Niamey from September 17 to September 18, 2026, focuses specifically on 'The informational sovereignty of AES States: Stakes, challenges and common strategy to fight disinformation.' The Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication and New Information Technologies, M. Mashoul Abdoul Nasser, presided over the opening ceremony, marking the official start of discussions. The Government of Niger expressed its keen interest in the creation of a Platform of Regulators of media and communication for AES member states, viewing it as a critical step towards regional stability. The Niamey conference is expected to establish the foundational framework for this essential cooperation, laying the groundwork for a strong and coordinated regional response to emerging informational threats.
Digital Transformations and New Threats
The Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication and New Information Technologies, M. Mashoul Abdoul Nasser, noted the context of profound mutations within the informational environment. These transformations have been significantly accelerated by the widespread influence of social networks, the widespread adoption of digital platforms, and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence. These changes, while offering numerous opportunities, simultaneously introduce a complex array of new challenges. These challenges include the proliferation of disinformation, sophisticated informational manipulation tactics, the spread of hateful content, coordinated influence campaigns designed to sway public opinion, instances of digital impersonation, and the increasing generation of artificially created content. Digital transformations have fundamentally altered the production, dissemination, and reception of information, integrating social networks, digital platforms, messaging applications, and advanced AI tools alongside traditional media outlets. This evolving landscape presents both significant advantages and inherent risks.
These evolutions facilitate unprecedented access to knowledge, broaden expression possibilities for individuals and communities, and foster closer connections among citizens across the region. They also provide new avenues for media to convey national realities and diverse voices, ensuring a more representative informational landscape. However, they also expose societies to a range of risks that necessitate increased vigilance and proactive measures. Regulation must therefore evolve at the pace of these transformations, maintaining a constant requirement to protect citizens and ensure a communication space that is free, pluralistic, and responsible. This dynamic adaptation of regulatory frameworks is key for safeguarding the integrity of information and the well-being of the populace. The article is attributed to ANP, dated September 2026.
Defining Informational Sovereignty and Regulator's Role
Informational sovereignty is now considered an essential dimension of state sovereignty, reflecting a nation's fundamental right and capacity to manage its own informational space. It is defined as the capacity of countries to know and master their informational environment, to protect their populations from manipulation, and to develop their own human, technological, and institutional capabilities in the digital realm. Informational sovereignty relies intrinsically on the ability to comprehend the digital landscape, generate credible information from reliable sources, cultivate strong expertise within national institutions, and safeguard populations against various forms of manipulation. A modern regulator, operating within this complex environment, must possess the foresight to anticipate challenges, particularly within the Sahelian context where media play an important role in conflict prevention, population awareness, and fostering social cohesion. This proactive stance is vital for maintaining peace and stability.
The proposed Platform of Regulators of media and communication for AES member states is envisioned as a genuine instrument for cooperation, expertise, and collective action. It is designed to be more than merely an additional structure lacking operational scope; instead, it aims to be a dynamic and effective entity. Among the suggestions for this platform are establishing a common mechanism for informational monitoring and alerting, which would allow for rapid identification and response to emerging threats. Strengthening collaboration in fact-checking initiatives is another key proposal, enabling a more strong verification process across member states. Developing joint training programs will enhance the skills of media professionals and regulators alike, while promoting a gradual alignment of legal and regulatory frameworks will create a more harmonized and effective regional approach. Cooperation should specifically reinforce fact-checking efforts by encouraging systematic cross-referencing of sources, authenticating images and videos through advanced techniques, and ensuring the widespread diffusion of public rectifications to counter false narratives.
Capacity building is identified as another priority for regulators and media professionals alike, recognizing that the rapidly evolving digital landscape demands continuous learning and adaptation. This necessitates training tailored to evolving technologies, ethical considerations inherent in digital communication, and the sensitive handling of complex situations. Journalists, in particular, require further training in fact-checking methodologies, addressing sensitive topics with accuracy and responsibility, and the ethical and responsible application of digital technologies in their daily work. Such training is indispensable for empowering media professionals to navigate the challenges of the modern information ecosystem effectively.
Commitment to Cooperation and Future Instruments
The President of the National Observatory of Communication (ONC), M. Ibrahim Manzo Diallo, stated that the Niamey meeting occurs at a decisive moment for the future of their common space, showing the urgency and strategic importance of the discussions. Further showing the importance of the gathering, the President of Mali's High Authority of Communication, M. Coulibaly Gaoussou, and the President of Burkina Faso's Higher Council of Communication, M. Wendingoudi Louis Ouedrago, both reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the objectives outlined during the conference. Their presence and statements noted a shared vision for a more secure and truthful information environment within the AES.
The proposed Platform of Regulators is designed to facilitate the sharing of experiences among regulators, enabling them to learn from each other's successes and challenges. It will also pool their collective skills, creating a synergy that enhances regional capabilities. The platform will enable rapid exchange regarding informational threats, ensuring that member states can react swiftly and in a coordinated manner. Ultimately, it aims to develop common responses to disinformation and manipulation, fostering a united front. To formalize this commitment and provide a concrete framework for action, three key instruments are planned. These include a Charter that will define their shared vision, articulate their objectives, and establish the fundamental principles of cooperation that will guide their collective efforts. Additionally, Internal Regulations will be established to create clear and effective operating procedures for the platform, ensuring its efficient functioning. An Action Plan for 2026-2028 will also be developed, specifying priorities, assigning responsibilities, setting clear deadlines, and outlining the necessary resources for successful implementation. This full approach ensures that the platform will be both strategic and operationally sound.
Niger recently adopted an ordinance relating to electronic press, a significant legislative step that takes into account the new digital environment realities. This national effort to adapt regulatory frameworks aligns perfectly with the broader regional objectives of the AES regulators' conference. The collective initiatives aim to bolster informational sovereignty and address the multifaceted challenges posed by disinformation across the Alliance of Sahel States, ensuring a more resilient and informed citizenry.