Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laagab, and Sahrawi Parliament President, Hamma Salama, Discuss Strategies to Counter Misinformation
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a significant diplomatic meeting, Algerian Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laagab, welcomed Sahrawi Parliament President, Hamma Salama, in Algiers on Monday. The discussions primarily focused on enhancing cooperation and coordination between Algerian and Sahrawi media to effectively navigate new technologies and counter disinformation campaigns targeting the Sahrawi people’s struggle, as per a statement from the Ministry.
The meeting, held at the “El-Aurassi” hotel, delved into the state of the information sector in Algeria. Minister Laagab highlighted recent legal developments aimed at strengthening the sector to align with current technological advancements and global trends in information and communication.
Emphasizing the imperative of development in Algeria’s media landscape, Laagab underscored the significance of training within the sector. He expressed full readiness to cooperate and coordinate with Sahrawi counterparts by organizing training sessions for Sahrawi journalists.
Minister Laagab also stressed the need to bolster collaboration between various Algerian and Sahrawi media outlets. This collaboration includes the exchange of information and providing Sahrawi journalists and technicians with technical resources to counteract deceptive media campaigns against the Sahrawi people and their struggle for self-determination.
Acknowledging the influential role of social media in disseminating information and the spread of misinformation, Laagab highlighted the necessity for quality training for both parties. This, he emphasized, is crucial to counter false claims by the Moroccan occupiers.
Additionally, the discussions covered strategies to raise awareness about the Sahrawi cause. One proposal involved the possibility of broadcasting live coverage of the Sahrawi National Council’s session through the Algerian parliamentary channel, coinciding with the anniversary of its creation on November 28.
President Hamma Salama commended Algeria’s consistent and unwavering support for the Sahrawi cause. He called upon the media to break the imposed media blackout on the Sahrawi issue. Salama praised Algeria’s steadfast position in supporting oppressed peoples worldwide and commended Algerian media for their continuous defense of the Sahrawi cause, essential for the Sahrawi people to achieve their right to self-determination.
Following the meeting, President Hamma Salama announced an upcoming visit by the Sahrawi Minister of Information to Algeria. The visit aims to facilitate the exchange of perspectives and further develop relations between Algeria and Western Sahara in the field of information. This diplomatic exchange signifies a united front against disinformation and a commitment to amplifying the Sahrawi voice on the international stage.
