Mali has been entrenched in a severe security and social crisis for over a decade, where misinformation has emerged as a potent disruptor, dividing communities through fear and mistrust. As information spreads more rapidly than ever before, the importance of ensuring access to reliable, verifiable information cannot be overstated. It is within this challenging context that the USAID Basiki ni Tagne Kunafoni (BTK) project was conceived. Supported by USAID Mali and executed by a consortium led by Pact, including Code for Africa and Accountability Lab Mali, the BTK project brings hope for a more informed Mali.

The Importance of the BTK Project

The BTK project focuses on strengthening information integrity, targeting specific communes such as Ségou, Baraouéli, Mopti, and Djenné. Its mission is to ensure that all citizens have access to reliable and verifiable information. By combating misinformation, BTK aims to preserve social cohesion and empower people to make informed decisions. In a land where rumors can fuel conflict, fostering an environment rich in truthful information is both radical and necessary.

Inclusivity for Internally Displaced People (IDPs)

From the outset, the BTK project recognized a significant challenge: the exclusion of internally displaced people (IDPs) from the information landscape. These individuals, forced from their homes by conflict, often reside in camps or host villages under difficult conditions with limited internet access, making it hard for them to receive accurate information. The information they do receive is often incomplete or distorted, which complicates their integration into society and limits their ability to participate in public life.

To address this, BTK has implemented specific measures to ensure that these vulnerable populations are included. This includes providing reliable, verifiable information and integrating it into information dissemination networks. Such inclusivity is crucial for strengthening the social fabric and fostering a more united and supportive society.

Concrete Actions for Lasting Impact

On the ground, BTK works directly with local communities, including IDPs. The project conducts awareness campaigns, organizes training sessions, and uses communication channels tailored to rural realities, ensuring no one is left behind. This comprehensive approach not only informs IDPs but also empowers them to become active participants in fighting misinformation. Witnessing IDPs transform into pivotal players in this battle is a testament to the project’s efficacy.

In working with these communities, BTK is not just sharing information but equipping individuals with the tools to verify and disseminate reliable news. This shift not only improves their daily lives but also fortifies the broader community against the pernicious impacts of false information.

Looking Ahead

This blog is part of a series where we’ll delve deeper into the challenges encountered in the field, the innovative solutions devised, and the inspiring stories of individuals who, despite numerous obstacles, are committed to a well-informed Mali. Follow along as we explore the transformative journey and the livelihoods altered by the BTK project in its quest for truth and unity in Mali. Through sustained efforts and community engagement, a better-informed Mali is not just possible—it is on the horizon.

Doussouba Konate