The Congress for Peace project, conducted in collaboration with the GeoAnalytics Center and Code for Africa and commissioned by the US Department of State, focused on establishing an influential network of online messengers to counter violent extremism in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and Niger. Our primary goal was to empower a diverse group of online influencers with the capacity to effectively counter extremist narratives and online influence operations.
By gaining insights into the nuances of extremist content, digital networks, and the manipulation of misinformation and disinformation, influencers are better equipped to prevent the radicalisation of individuals in their communities. The comprehensive, four-month training programme consisted of a blend of online and in-person sessions.
These training sessions encompassed a range of topics, including countering online and offline violent extremism, digital security, and the recognition and mitigation of mis- and disinformation. Through these sessions, influencers not only enhanced their understanding of prevailing extremist narratives and tactics but also developed the capacity to craft impactful messages of peace that resonated with their target audience. By fostering collaboration and promoting the exchange of ideas among influencers, this project sought to amplify the collective effort in countering radicalisation and promoting resilience in the region.