BY: Dr. Hana Saada
In a forceful address, the head of Algeria’s external security and North African CISSA representative underscores disinformation as a strategic threat to national sovereignty and continental stability, calling for a united African front to safeguard security, media integrity, and shared values.
Algiers, Algeria | April 21st, 2025 — In a pivotal speech delivered at the regional workshop of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA), held at the Abdelatif-Rahal International Conference Center (CIC) in Algiers, General Rochdi Fethi Moussaoui, Director General of External Documentation and Security and North African representative of CISSA, powerfully reiterated Algeria’s unwavering engagement in the fight against disinformation and fake news — a threat he labeled as “existential” to Africa’s stability and sovereignty.
Addressing a distinguished assembly of African security officials, media experts, and policymakers under the theme “The Repercussions of Fake News and Disinformation on the Security and Stability of States”, General Moussaoui relayed a message of encouragement and solidarity from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who welcomed the hosting of such a timely and consequential regional workshop.
“Our struggle against disinformation is not merely a media matter—it is an existential battle for the survival and cohesion of our African states,” declared General Moussaoui, calling on African nations to rally in collective resistance against the destabilizing forces that exploit the media landscape to undermine political order and fracture societies.
A Threat Without Borders
Moussaoui emphasized that the rise of disinformation is a direct consequence of unregulated advances in information and communication technologies. He warned that the phenomenon has transcended the confines of journalism, evolving into a potent instrument of manipulation, psychological warfare, and influence — akin to traditional military strategies in its power to reshape public consciousness.
“We are no longer dealing with ordinary news distortions,” he warned. “We are confronting a weaponized narrative, deployed across borders, capable of destroying trust between people and governments, and serving obscure geopolitical agendas.”
He described the phenomenon as exacerbated by the accessibility of digital platforms to millions of poorly informed users who often lack the critical skills to verify sources or comprehend the gravity of sharing unverified content.
“The damage caused by the dissemination of fake news does not stop at individuals,” Moussaoui stressed. “It extends to institutions, the credibility of the state, and ultimately its national security.”
Algeria’s Leading Role and Pan-African Vision
Reaffirming Algeria’s historic and strategic depth within the African continent, General Moussaoui declared that the country remains resolutely committed to defending continental stability and acting as a bulwark against all forms of interference and subversion.
“Algeria, by virtue of its deep African roots, will remain at the vanguard of efforts to shield the continent from threats to its sovereignty,” he asserted. “We stand united with our African brothers in defense of our collective dignity and future.”
He emphasized that the Algiers workshop was not only a technical meeting but also a powerful political message of solidarity, reaffirming the commitment of CISSA member states to adopt a coordinated and collaborative approach to security threats, especially those stemming from disinformation.
Toward a United Continental Front
In his vision for a proactive continental defense strategy, Moussaoui advocated for a series of concrete measures including:
-Enhanced coordination between intelligence and security services across Africa to detect and neutralize false narratives before they sow discord;
-Strategic partnerships with media institutions and social media platforms to implement real-time fact-checking and reliable information dissemination mechanisms;
-Public awareness campaigns aimed at improving digital literacy and empowering citizens to distinguish between credible news and malicious propaganda;
-A reinforced legal and regulatory framework to punish those who deliberately engage in disinformation aimed at destabilizing societies;
-The creation of a unified African media front capable of countering hostile narratives and defending the image and values of Africa on the global stage.
“The establishment of a united national and continental media front is not a luxury but a pressing necessity to confront today’s challenges and to defend the image of our continent in the international arena,” General Moussaoui proclaimed.
Media Warfare: The New Battlefield
Underscoring the magnitude of the threat, he stated that modern media—both traditional and digital—have become as influential as conventional warfare in shaping societal consciousness. The rapid evolution of digital communication has upended traditional paradigms and introduced new vulnerabilities.
“The danger lies in the ease with which false information can be disseminated, unchallenged and unchecked, turning media into a destabilizing force rather than an instrument of enlightenment,” he said.
He paid tribute to the People’s National Army (ANP) and Algeria’s security services for their steadfast role in safeguarding the nation against psychological and cyber warfare.
“The ANP, worthy heir of the National Liberation Army (ALN), remains vigilant against all threats to our sovereignty, including media and cyber attacks aimed at sowing mistrust and division among our people.”
Mobilizing for Africa’s Future
General Moussaoui concluded his address with a call for action and long-term vision, emphasizing the critical importance of outcomes from the Algiers workshop.
“The impact of this gathering will be felt across the continent. We are working to establish practical mechanisms to enhance our collective capacity to confront fake news and push the African Union to adopt a unified strategy against disinformation. Only through solidarity and shared vision can we safeguard our nations, our people, and our future.”
The CISSA regional workshop marks a watershed moment in Africa’s evolving understanding of the disinformation threat — one that places Algeria firmly at the helm of a strategic, values-driven defense of truth, unity, and continental sovereignty.
