Across the Sahel, the signs of crisis are clear and severe: dry land, failing crops, closed clinics, and broken supply routes that leave many communities facing hunger. Yet for millions of people scrolling through their phones, a very different story appears. On social media, military takeovers are described as heroic victories, controversial resource deals are presented as national achievements, and economic decline is hidden behind constant messages of success. Between these digital narratives and real conditions on the ground, a growing gap has formed-and that gap is now being used as a tool of power.

This situation is often called the “Great Distortion.” It reflects a major change in how influence works. Today, controlling public perception is just as important as controlling land or institutions. In Africa, where a large young population is highly connected online, this kind of influence spreads quickly. Hundreds of millions of users create and share content every day, allowing messages to travel faster than verified facts.

The effects are serious. What used to be seen as simple misinformation has become a deliberate strategy. It shapes how people think, protects governments from criticism, and allows foreign actors to gain access to valuable resources under conditions that might otherwise face strong opposition. In this new environment, influence is built not only through economic or military power, but also through digital campaigns, viral content, and repeated messaging that blurs the line between truth and falsehood.

At the center of this system is a clear exchange. External actors-both governments and private groups-offer security support, private military services, and organized disinformation campaigns. In return, they receive access to natural resources, infrastructure, or political support. These agreements are often hidden from public view and do not go through normal approval processes.

This marks a shift away from earlier........

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