Author: Emmanuel Bida Thomas

In a world inundated with misinformation, one platform stood tall in 2023, making waves in the fight against falsehoods. 211 Check, a fact-checking and information verification platform, made significant strides in its mission to counter misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech in South Sudan.

One of the notable achievements of 211 Check in 2023 was its acceptance into the International Fact-checking Network (IFCN). This milestone underscored the platform’s dedication to upholding the highest fact-checking and information verification standards. This recognition validated the credibility of 211 Check and positioned it as a key player in the global fight against misinformation.

In 2023, 211 Check’s impact reverberated across South Sudan, with a multi-year commitment to enhancing fact-checking through domain, hosting, and SSL subscriptions until December 2032. The platform’s dedication was evident through its extensive training sessions and webinars, engaging 34 trainers and webinar panellists and reaching over 500 training attendees, empowering individuals to discern and counter false information.

Throughout the year, 211 Check engaged in local activities to strengthen fact-checking in South Sudan. The platform conducted training sessions and webinars to capacitate journalists, students, and active social media users, enhancing their ability to discern and counter false information. These efforts were crucial in empowering individuals to make informed decisions and contribute to a more informed and engaged society.

The impact of 211 Check’s work in 2023 extended beyond its immediate activities. Countering misinformation and promoting fact-checking made the platform play a pivotal role in fostering trust and reliability in the information landscape of South Sudan. This, in turn, contributed to a more informed public discourse and empowered individuals to access accurate and reliable information, aligning with the platform’s vision of creating a society where such information is easily accessible and widely shared.

The platform’s efforts to provide a platform for fact-checkers, offer editorial support and training to journalists, and enhance the quality and health of online information have reshaped the information landscape, fostering a society where accurate, reliable information is easily accessible and widely shared.

As 211 Check continues to lead the charge against misinformation, its vision of creating a South Sudan where truth prevails and individuals are empowered to make informed decisions is becoming a reality. The platform’s dedication to enhancing fact-checking and countering false information has not only reshaped South Sudan’s information landscape. Still, it has also set the stage for a future where misinformation holds no power.

Looking Ahead:

As we reflect on 211 Check’s achievements in 2023, it is evident that the platform has made significant strides in its mission to combat misinformation and disinformation in South Sudan. The impact of its work has been felt not only locally but also on the international stage, positioning 211 Check as a beacon of truth and reliability in an era plagued by misinformation.

About 211 Check:

211 Check, led by Defyhatenow, a National Nongovernmental Organisation (NNGO) registered in South Sudan, has steadfastly committed to enhancing the quality and health of online information in the region. The platform’s objectives included providing a platform for South Sudanese fact-checkers to publish articles and reports, offering editorial support and training on fact-checking to journalists and content creators, and countering false information through fact-checking and verifying information.

Theophilous Ochang, Torit-based VoEES

In South Sudan, like in many other parts of the world, Facebook account attacks and scams have become persistent issues for journalists and media practitioners. These attacks pose significant threats to digital safety and data security, potentially compromising sensitive information and undermining trust in the media. The spread of misinformation and disinformation through hacked accounts also amplifies social and political tensions. 

Successfully mitigating these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strong cybersecurity measures, regular training on digital hygiene and threat awareness, and fostering a culture of digital literacy among journalists and media professionals. Establishing channels for reporting and promptly addressing such attacks and scams is crucial in minimizing their impact and safeguarding the integrity of journalism in South Sudan.

Theophilous Ochang Andrew, an esteemed Media Practitioner at the Voice of Eastern Equatoria state-run radio station 97.5FM in Torit town, has successfully addressed a recurring issue of Facebook account hacking within his community. Previously, a lack of support was available for individuals affected by this problem.

Theophilous expressed gratitude for participating in the comprehensive online training program that expanded his knowledge in various areas. The training, particularly the Digital Safety and Data Security session held on July 26, 2023, enlightened him about proactive measures to assist his community, which had frequently fallen victim to cyber hackers. His newfound understanding motivated him to take action.

After attending the training session, Theophilous demonstrated the practical application of his learnings by assisting his colleague, Ongorok Pangarasio, whose Facebook account had been compromised a month prior. Utilizing his acquired expertise, Theophilous regained control of Ongorok’s account, returning it to its rightful owner. Presently, Ongorok enjoys uninterrupted access to his account, free from interference.

This experience has dramatically empowered Theophilous, fulfilling a personal aspiration of being able to aid communities vulnerable to online threats. With the knowledge he has gained, he is committed to continuing his efforts to safeguard communities against such risks. Taking proactive steps, Theophilous has already informed his extensive network of friends on Facebook, urging them not to remain silent if they encounter similar incidents. By sharing the link facebook.com/hacked, he ensures that individuals can access crucial information and resources to combat hacking attempts.

Theophilous’s dedication to digital security and his proactive approach to protecting his community exemplify his invaluable contribution. He is actively raising awareness and fostering a safer online environment for all through his actions.

Defyhatenow is working with IREX in implementing the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) to improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high-quality, independent and factual reporting. SIMA is grounded in the understanding that a vibrant, resilient, and self-reliant media sector is a core building block for greater inclusive social cohesion, accountability, enhanced democratic governance, conflict resolution, and more pluralistic societies. In designing an approach to bolster independent media amidst various obstacles, IREX and Defyhatenow launched a three-month journalists’ mentorship program targeting forty (40) content creators in South Sudan to equip them with skills and knowledge to combat disinformation, explicitly focusing on fact-checking and verification techniques.

Elizabeth Lodou | Courtesy Photo

Elizabeth Lodou, an accomplished broadcast journalist and Reporter at The Radio Community, embarked on a transformative journey as she joined our team as a trainee. Recognising the vital role she would play in combatting disinformation through media reporting, we were responsible for equipping her with the necessary skills to become an influential force in the fight against false information.

“I made sure I dedicated my time and energy to learning during the training to learn more because I can now tell the difference between misinformation,” Elizabeth Lodou, a broadcast journalist and a Reporter at Singaita FM 88.3.

This initiative holds immense promise, as its impact extends far beyond the confines of Kapoeta North. By empowering Elizabeth with the tools to counter the spread of disinformation, we are actively contributing to the nationwide effort to safeguard the truth. Misinformation and disinformation manifest in various forms, from fabricated news articles and manipulated visuals to sensationalised headlines and viral rumours. The craftiness employed by disseminators of false information has reached new heights, underscoring the urgency for us to possess the knowledge and aptitude to discern fact from fiction.

Through comprehensive training, Elizabeth has developed a profound understanding of the multifaceted nature of mis/disinformation. She now comprehends that any piece of information, whether received from the public or sourced from social media, necessitates rigorous verification before it can be shared with her listeners and the community at large. Scrutinising the source, contextualising claims, and corroborating facts with relevant authorities have become integral steps in her pursuit of disseminating accurate and well-founded information.

As Elizabeth emerges from this training, she can separate truth from falsehood and is responsible for delivering trustworthy information to her audience. Armed with a profound grasp of media literacy and fact-checking techniques, she is poised to serve as a reliable source of verified news, effectively countering the detrimental effects of disinformation.

The accomplishments of Elizabeth’s journey will resonate throughout the nation, reinforcing our collective commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accuracy, and integrity in media reporting. By enabling her to champion the cause of truth, we are sowing the seeds of a more informed and resilient society.

More skills are needed to identify misinformation, and tools to verify it before publishing or reporting are becoming increasingly important for journalists and other media makers in South Sudan, like in many other countries. The spread of misinformation through social media platforms has grown exponentially, leading to potential harm, social unrest, and damage to public trust. In a context where reliable information is crucial for fostering peace, stability, and informed decision-making, media professionals face the challenge of navigating a digital landscape flooded with rumours, false narratives, and misleading content. Therefore, acquiring and honing skills to detect and verify misinformation and utilising appropriate fact-checking tools and techniques is crucial for ensuring accurate and responsible journalism in South Sudan. It empowers media practitioners to deliver reliable, trustworthy information to the public, contributing to an informed citizenry and a healthier media ecosystem.

Defyhatenow is working with IREX in implementing the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) to improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high-quality, independent and factual reporting. SIMA is grounded in the understanding that a vibrant, resilient, and self-reliant media sector is a core building block for greater inclusive social cohesion, accountability, enhanced democratic governance, conflict resolution, and more pluralistic societies. In designing an approach to bolster independent media amidst various obstacles, IREX and Defyhatenow launched a three-month journalists’ mentorship program targeting forty (40) content creators in South Sudan to equip them with skills and knowledge to combat disinformation, explicitly focusing on fact-checking and verification techniques.

Ochaya Jackson Amos | Courtesy Photo

Ochaya Jackson was admitted as a fellow for a previous 211 Check two-month in-person and intensive Fact-checking and Digital Rights Fellowship at Defyhatenow South Sudan, where he did exceptionally well. This time, he returns as a  trainer to teach others fact-checking. He is a fourth-year student pursuing a media degree at the University of Juba.

Introducing Ochaya Jackson as our trainer for a three-month journalists’ mentorship marks a pivotal milestone in the fight against disinformation through media reporting in South Sudan. With immense expertise and experience, Ochaya will spearhead comprehensive online and in-person training sessions for forty content creators on Fact-checking principles and tools, especially those used for archiving, reverse image searches, Geolocation, Website Verification, and Videos. This focused training program aims to equip these creators with essential skills to combat disinformation and navigate challenging election environments.

The ripple effects of this initiative are profound, contributing significantly to curtailing the spread of disinformation within South Sudan. Imparting fact-checking and verification techniques, Ochaya empowers content creators to discern and halt the dissemination of false information. Consequently, media reporting becomes more accurate and reliable, providing citizens access to credible information and mitigating the adverse consequences of disinformation on communities and conflicts.

The program prepares journalists from the target locations of Abyei, Baliet County, Wau County, Jur River County, Kapoeta North County, Budi County, Leer County, Mayendit County, and Juba County to operate in challenging election fact-checking environments to help fact-check election-related claims and ensure citizens can access credible, accurate, and reliable information during election cycles. This will involve training journalists on election fact-checking, safety and security measures, and ethical considerations when fact-checking election-related claims, and also include setting up mechanisms for election fact-checking desks.

This endeavour addresses critical challenges prevailing in South Sudan’s media landscape. Empowering content creators with the necessary skills and knowledge fosters responsible journalism, combats disinformation, and fortifies the democratic process. The impacts of this intervention reverberate across the media industry, local communities, and society at large, fostering an informed, inclusive, and democratic South Sudan.

Defyhatenow is working with IREX in implementing the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) to improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high-quality, independent and factual reporting. SIMA is grounded in the understanding that a vibrant, resilient, and self-reliant media sector is a core building block for greater inclusive social cohesion, accountability, enhanced democratic governance, conflict resolution, and more pluralistic societies. In designing an approach to bolster independent media amidst various obstacles, IREX and Defyhatenow launched a three-month journalists’ mentorship program targeting forty (40) content creators in South Sudan to equip them with skills and knowledge to combat disinformation, explicitly focusing on fact-checking and verification techniques.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), word-of-mouth remains the most prevalent source of information for the masses in South Sudan. However, with increased mobile and internet penetration, an explosion of user-generated content has created an environment where rumours fueled on social media take hold offline and become difficult to counter.

With support from the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF), an initiative of the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), DefyHateNow has recently concluded a six-months knowledge and skills building project on countering disinformation and hate speech, complemented with digital rights and cybersecurity advocacy in South Sudan.

Leveraging the 211 Check and SafetyComm South Sudan platforms, monthly trainings on fact-checking, rights and safety online benefitted 98 content creators and civic actors.

“I loved it. We would like it to be regular; it should be a module in South Sudanese schools like universities and training for professionals,” said a trainee.

Select training beneficiaries were awarded fellowships through which they received more in-depth training and applied the acquired fact-checking and digital rights advocacy skills as part of placements within 211 Check and SafetyComm teams.

“The network that I have created as a result of this fellowship, both locally within the country and internationally, will help me to remain relevant and focused on fact-checking and digital rights.” –  A fellow and Program Manager at Junub Youth Action Network (JYAN).

“The fellowship has empowered and equipped me a lot in fact-checking, both theoretically and practically, with hands-on tools. It has shaped and broadened my ability to confidently take on the tasks of fact-checking and research in the mis/disinformation paradigm.” – A fellow and student at the University of Juba.

In addition to the training and fellowships, four radio talk shows on Advance Youth Radio and two virtual meetups were hosted to raise wider awareness about disinformation and hate speech. Among the meetup guest speakers was an analyst from the National Communications Authority who presented on government efforts to establish a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Discussions also explored the challenges related to the Computer Misuse Order 2021, with a representative from the telecom services provider MTN speaking about the company’s efforts to uphold data privacy and overcome fraud.

Moreover, together with Junub Open Space, a local National Nongovernmental Organisation (NNGO) in Juba, DefyHateNow hosted five editions of “Salaam Fi Bet” (Peace at Home), a community-centred discussion on trust circles for information verification. Up to 107 individuals (62% women) from five neighbourhoods in Juba attended the discussions.

DefyHateNow’s ADRF-supported project builds on initiatives spearheaded by UNDP to tackle Covid-19 related misinformation and the Sentinel Project, which addressed hate speech and misinformation at the peak of the civil war in the East African country. As the perpetrators, pathways and effects of false news and information manipulation online evolve, the need for continued education and empowerment remains preeminent. This project demonstrates that collaborative efforts in knowledge and skills building can contribute to equipping people with the tools and resources to keep communities safe.

Read the article on CIPESA.

Disinformation thrives in conflict situations and in the world’s youngest nation, South Sudan, years of political uncertainty have cultivated a severe information disorder. In the face of another postponement of elections, community peace building including through debunking disinformation is critical to the country being able to stave off hate speech and incitement to violence.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), word-of-mouth remains the most prevalent source of information for the masses in South Sudan. However, with increased mobile and internet penetration, an explosion of user-generated content has created an environment where rumours fueled on social media take hold offline and become difficult to counter.

With support from the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF), an initiative of the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), DefyHateNow has recently concluded a six-months knowledge and skills building project on countering disinformation and hate speech, complemented with digital rights and cybersecurity advocacy in South Sudan.

Leveraging the 211 Check and SafetyComm South Sudan platforms, monthly trainings on fact-checking, rights and safety online benefitted 98 content creators and civic actors.

“I loved it. We would like it to be regular; it should be a module in South Sudanese schools like universities and training for professionals,” said a trainee.

Select training beneficiaries were awarded fellowships through which they received more in-depth training and applied the acquired fact-checking and digital rights advocacy skills as part of placements within 211 Check and SafetyComm teams.

“The network that I have created as a result of this fellowship, both locally within the country and internationally, will help me to remain relevant and focused on fact-checking and digital rights.” –  A fellow and Program Manager at Junub Youth Action Network (JYAN).

“The fellowship has empowered and equipped me a lot in fact-checking, both theoretically and practically, with hands-on tools. It has shaped and broadened my ability to confidently take on the tasks of fact-checking and research in the mis/disinformation paradigm.” – A fellow and student at the University of Juba.

In addition to the training and fellowships, four radio talk shows on Advance Youth Radio and two virtual meetups were hosted to raise wider awareness about disinformation and hate speech. Among the meetup guest speakers was an analyst from the National Communications Authority who presented on government efforts to establish a Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). Discussions also explored the challenges related to the Computer Misuse Order 2021, with a representative from the telecom services provider MTN speaking about the company’s efforts to uphold data privacy and overcome fraud.

Moreover, together with Junub Open Space, a local National Nongovernmental Organisation (NNGO) in Juba, DefyHateNow hosted five editions of “Salaam Fi Bet” (Peace at Home), a community-centred discussion on trust circles for information verification. Up to 107 individuals (62% women) from five neighbourhoods in Juba attended the discussions.

DefyHateNow’s ADRF-supported project builds on initiatives spearheaded by UNDP to tackle Covid-19 related misinformation and the Sentinel Project, which addressed hate speech and misinformation at the peak of the civil war in the East African country. As the perpetrators, pathways and effects of false news and information manipulation online evolve, the need for continued education and empowerment remains preeminent. This project demonstrates that collaborative efforts in knowledge and skills building can contribute to equipping people with the tools and resources to keep communities safe.

Read the article on CIPESA.

This meeting focused on multi-country project collaborations, which would address specific issues in the target countries and how the initiatives would work together in their different locations and co-create projects that can be tailored to different contexts. There were discussions on how different roles would cross-pollinate as advisory to build up new initiatives and how global activities, such as the #PeaceJam, would be organised to represent the entire initiative.

The #defyhatenow Social Media Hate Speech Mitigation Field Guide and the Early Warning Early Response systems are some of the tools that offer strategies to be used by community-based organisations and other stakeholders for peacebuilding. These tools would be contextualised for varying contexts to tackle conflict, support media literacy, address issues of migration and displacement and leverage various fact-checking alumni networks created through the initiative. 

The #ONEdefyhatenow team is working towards creating unanimous actions to support sustainable community-based conflict mitigation strategies worldwide.

The candidates made it through a competitive interview conducted by a selection committee from #defyhatenow South Sudan with support from the Human Resource Department. The quadruple, drawn mainly from the media and academic fraternities, include Ghai Aketch, Beatrice Amude Paulino, Jibi Moses, and Ochaya Jackson.

But far from names, there is more to know about the fellows, professionally and academically.

Ghai Aketch is a news reporter with Sawa Sawa Network. He covers stories on environment, youth, education, peace implementation, and humanitarian situations in South Sudan.

Before joining Fact-checking and Digital Rights Fellowship, Aketch worked as a photographer and technical studio operator for KU-TV Kenya. He also worked for Jhpiego-John Hopkins University affiliate as a supervisor for outreach programs.

Additionally, he volunteered for humanitarian organizations, working as an English language teacher in various refugee camps in Uganda. His work experience in the humanitarian sector has helped him better understand issues affecting communities and the role of digital media in storytelling, healing, and peace-building.

Beatrice Amude Paulino is a media monitor at 211 Check, #defyhatenow South Sudan. She is a working journalist and a member of the South Sudanese Female Journalist Network (FJN).

Beatrice is creative, has research abilities, is adaptable and eager to learn, and has excellent communication skills.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from the University of Juba and an Advanced Certificate in Journalism from the South Sudanese Media Development Institute (MDI).

Jibi Moses is an administrator, public health practitioner, and humanitarian with five years of experience. Moses is also a skilled researcher and certified fact-checker. He describes himself as a creative, resourceful, and flexible individual able to adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a positive attitude and strong work ethic. He’s a clear and logical communicator who can establish rapport with supervisors, colleagues, and individuals to achieve organizational and personal goals.

Moses graduated with a Bachelor of Public Administration from Kampala International University. With an Advanced Certificate in Public health from Ristal Institute Juba. He currently works as a program manager for Junub Youth Action Network (JYAN).

Ochaya Jackson Amos is a University of Juba student pursuing a Bachelor of Art in Development Communication. He is a certified Fact-Checker and has been a media practitioner. Jackson is also interested in research, and information technology, which he is passionate about.

Emmanuel Bida, the program coordinator, said fellows would be placed in either 211 Check or SafetyComm South Sudan to undertake practical activities around fact-checking and digital rights issues. The offices are at Hai Malakal and Munuki in the capital Juba.

He said fellows would also undertake extensive social media monitoring to spot dis/misinformation, hate speech, and cyber threats and respond in a prescribed format. Fellows will also investigate dis/misinformation campaigns, scams, and hoaxes and, where necessary, draft and publish reports.

Other activities that would be undertaken during the fellowship program, Bida said, range from report writing to submission of relevant reports as may be required by the supervisor.

“The fellows will be required to conduct high-impact research and write briefs, reports,

responses, blogs, articles, and other documents around fact-checking and digital rights issues. They will convene stakeholders working on fact-checking and digital rights issues to

enable an exchange of ideas and facilitate learning from each other,” he said.

The fellowship is being carried out in the context of the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF) with support from the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA).

It is also part of the commitment by #defyhatenow South Sudan to empower citizens on digital rights and countering disinformation and misinformation that scale back societal progress.

For more information, read the concept note: https://bit.ly/33t7h6s

If selected, you will gain knowledge and skills used by professional fact-checkers and help start a fact-checking community in your area or workplace.  

Applicants from across South Sudan and beyond are welcome to apply.

The overarching objective of this three-month training is to strengthen participant capacity on the promotion of veracity and accuracy of the information in the public domain in South Sudan.

The training is scheduled to take place from Monday, 03 October to Friday 16th December 2022 between 02:00 pm and 04:00 pm CAT, two days a week via Google Meet.

During the three-month training, trainees will learn:

– Fact-checking basics: Understanding fact-checking methodology & taxonomy, and fact-checking techniques using a range of specialized tools.

– Audience Engagement: Understanding how to create unique topics/themes for specific audiences, and how to build audience engagement and feedback systems.

– Production systems: Understanding how to design editorial/research workflow processes, tooling and staffing strategies, for streamlined integration into an organization’s wider production processes.

– Policy frameworks: Understanding how to apply international ethical and professional guidelines for quality assurance and industry accreditation, with special emphasis on applying the International Fact-Checking Network’s (IFCN) Code of Principles.

Are you eligible? Applicants must meet the following criteria:

1. You must be able and willing to commit to attending all the virtual classes and completing all lesson assignments during the three months.

2. You must have access to a laptop/computer or smartphone with internet connectivity, to be able to participate in online classes and benefit from the digital mentorship and electronic resources.

3. You must be based in South Sudan or elsewhere, with demonstrable local experience/insights.

4. You must be fluent in English, as this will be the language of instruction and mentorship. Your fact-checks may be produced/published in another language, but translated copies must be made available in English.

5. You must commit to sharing your new skills and insights within your organisation and wider journalistic/research fraternity, by demonstrating your projects and techniques to peers.

6. You demonstrate a commitment to free and independent media in your professional career.

Upon ‘graduation,’ you will be awarded a certificate of completion and inducted into 211 Check’s community of professional fact-checkers. Here is the training syllabus: https://bit.ly/3IgY6EA

The deadline for applications is 09 September 2022 at 4:30 PM