Warnings Over the Impact of Disinformation in Fueling Sudan’s War

Digital media researcher Ahmed Abdullah has warned that disinformation can deepen social and political divisions and fuel the conflict in Sudan.

He noted that “the circulation of misleading information and fabricated content during the war has increased polarization and weakened trust among different segments of society.”

Speaking to Mashaweer, Abdullah said that “social media platforms have become a major arena for circulating rumours and unreliable information, including old or edited photos and videos that are presented as being related to ongoing events.” He said this contributes to creating false perceptions among the public and fuels feelings of fear and hatred.

He added that “the danger of disinformation is not limited to spreading inaccurate information, but also extends to using it to incite hostility against social, ethnic and political groups and fuel hate speech, threatening social cohesion and complicating efforts to achieve peace.”

The researcher called for strengthening digital verification skills among journalists and the public and relying on credible sources before sharing information. He also urged the development of professional and community-based responses to counter disinformation campaigns.

He stressed that “the media can play an important role in reducing polarization by providing accurate and balanced information and promoting a culture of dialogue.”