Mr. Souleymane Lamine is a freelance journalist and researcher specializing in the fields of security issues and disinformation. He has excelled as a consultant and trainer in the fields of peace and security, particularly in capacity building for media professionals, especially online press professionals. He is currently President of the Réseau des Professionnels de la Presse en Ligne (Network of Online Press Professionals). Souleymane is also a consultant for the Niger Independent Radio and Television Network. He provides an informed perspective on the crucial issues shaping journalists' professions in a context of disinformation and media coverage of terrorism related issues in the Sahel. Souleymane holds an international Masters diploma in Conflict Management, Peace and Security from the Abdou Moumouni University in collaboration with the Catholic University Louvain La Neuve in Belgium. 

IVLP Impact Award Project: Implementing Best Practices to Counter Disinformation 

The project combats the spread of false information that has had serious effects on public safety, inciting violence and fueling social crises. Over three months, a group of Nigerien journalists working in news organizations (radio, television, and the written press), along with a group of journalism students nearing the end of their training, will participate in training workshops to equip them with techniques for detecting disinformation and best practices for combating its spread. Guides on misinformation detection techniques and best practices will be published. A learning community will be created to support the fight against misinformation and help promote the integrity and credibility of the media in Niger. The project will strengthen Niger's resilience to external manipulation aimed at influencing public opinion and destabilizing the country. It will also create a community of press professionals dedicated to popularizing best practices in the fight against misinformation.

So far, Souleymane has conducted training sessions for 23 professional journalists and 33 journalism students from various schools and universities in Niamey. The workshops, originally planned for 30 journalists and 10 students, attracted a larger number of participants, with 11 students from the University of Dosso joining the session.  Souleymane also recruited a media education expert to support the training sessions. Two additional work sessions were held with the expert to refine the training approach for the participants.  

“During my stay in the United States as an IVLP fellow, I was able to measure the extent to which the phenomenon of misinformation is at the heart of the concerns of the world's greatest power. Disinformation has gone from being a simple societal phenomenon to a global threat with devastating consequences. States have no choice but to take greater precautions in the face of this phenomenon or suffer and pay the heaviest price.” - Souleymane Lamine

IVLP Exchange Experience 

Souleymane participated in the IVLP Project Edward R. Murrow Program for Journalists – Media Responsibility in an Age of Disinformation, organized by the U.S. Department of State and Meridian International Center, in partnership with Global Ties San Francisco, Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy, and International Focus Inc.  

Souleymane’s exchange experience led to the development of his project: “The idea of presenting a project highlighting the sharing of best practices in the fight against misinformation germinated in my mind during [an ILVP program] learning session at Duke University in North Carolina. I witnessed the commitment of journalism professors Phil Napoli, Mark Stencil, Stephen Buckley and Joel Luther, who work tirelessly to develop extensive resources and knowledge in the fight against misinformation.” 

“Collaboration with fact checkers around the world, and in Africa in particular, to combat the phenomenon of misinformation, has inspired me and strengthened my conviction to work harder than ever in the same vein as the experienced professors and practitioners of journalism [I met on my IVLP exchange].” - Souleymane Lamine

U.S. Communities Visited

San Francisco, CA; Washington, DC; Raleigh, NC; Salt Lake City, UT

Country: Niger

 

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