Role of media in Africa’s democracy, security: double-edged sword

In recent years, Africa's media landscape has experienced significant transformation, fuelled by technological advancements, greater access to information, and the rapid rise of social media.

Data from 39 countries reveal that while digital media is gaining ground, radio remains the continent's most widely accessed medium.

This duality of progress brings both opportunities and challenges. On the one hand, the media serves as a vital watchdog and agenda-setter; on the other, it grapples with disinformation and divisive narratives that can undermine peace and security, particularly during elections – as seen in Côte d'Ivoire (2012) and Kenya (2017).

Media, pillar of democracy

Print, broadcast and digital media play a crucial role in advancing democracy in Africa. Research by Okocha and Dapoet (2024) emphasises that African media has been pivotal in consolidating democracy by promoting political pluralism and facilitating public participation in key decision-making processes.

Shea (1998) supports this view, highlighting the media's ability to present diverse opinions, spark debates, and ensure that citizens are well-informed about policies and governance.

Case studies from Ghana and South Africa underscore the media's positive contributions. Ghana, often celebrated as a beacon of democracy in Africa, has relied on robust media reporting to ensure peaceful transitions of power and transparency in elections (Angelou, 2023).

In South Africa, investigative journalism has exposed corruption scandals, fostering accountability and strengthening public trust in democratic institutions.

The Institute for Economics and Peace (2013) identifies free information flow as one of the eight "Pillars of Peace," highlighting the media's crucial role in educating citizens and enabling political engagement.

By disseminating information on laws, policies and governance, media platforms bridge the gap between citizens and policymakers, amplifying public voices on national issues (Happer & Philo, 2013).

Agenda setting

The media's agenda-setting function further establishes its importance in democracy and conflict resolution. According to Joseph (2014), media coverage influences political action by framing issues and directing public discourse.

Wu and Coleman (2009) elaborate that while the media shapes public concerns more than opinions, it often prioritises topics that become the focus of debate and calls for action.

In regions plagued by insecurity, such as Nigeria and Somalia, the media has been instrumental in spotlighting the root causes of conflict and advocating dialogue and peaceful solutions.

Isike and Omotoso (2017) highlight how media coverage in these regions has influenced policymakers to allocate resources to conflict resolution. When the media neglects key issues, however, they risk being deprioritised by both the public and governments (Hanson, 2009).

Media as a threat to security

While the media has proven vital to democracy, its misuse can pose significant threats to stability. Social media, in particular, has introduced new challenges to Africa's media landscape.

Wasserman (2020) points out that the unregulated nature of social media fosters the unchecked spread of misinformation, propaganda and hate speech, which can exacerbate political tensions and undermine electoral processes.

This was evident in the 2020 Tanzanian elections, where social media amplified misinformation and claims of electoral irregularities, fuelling tensions (Council of Foreign Relations, 2021).

Similarly, Uganda's 2021 general elections were marred by violence, media restrictions, and the circulation of inflammatory content on social platforms.

In West and Central Africa, disinformation campaigns have been used to delegitimise opponents and entrench authoritarian regimes.

Nigeria exemplifies the double-edged nature of social media. While it has facilitated meaningful political engagement, it has also served as a platform for hate speech and divisive narratives, particularly during election periods (Hassan, 2022). Such polarisation erodes democratic institutions and deepens societal divisions.

Balancing media's potential, risks

The dual role of media in Africa’s democracy and security presents a critical challenge: how to harness its potential for good while mitigating its risks.

As the "fourth estate of the realm," the media has been instrumental in fostering accountability, promoting political pluralism and fighting corruption.

Examples from Ghana and South Africa illustrate how conflict-sensitive journalism can strengthen democratic processes and ensure peaceful political transitions.

However, the rapid proliferation of digital media and social platforms complicates this role. Nations such as Tanzania, Uganda, and Mali demonstrate how the spread of propaganda, hate speech and disinformation can destabilise political environments and erode public trust in democratic institutions.

To address these challenges, African governments, media stakeholders, and civil society must collaborate to enhance media literacy, promote ethical journalism and regulate digital platforms responsibly.

Shea (1998) emphasises the importance of developing media capacity to ensure accurate reporting, avoid sensationalism and counter disinformation. 

By equipping journalists with the skills to verify sources and provide balanced coverage, the media can mitigate the risks associated with polarisation and conflict.

The media must also uphold its agenda-setting role by prioritising issues that align with national interests without compromising security or individual safety. Ethical and conflict-sensitive journalism is essential to maintaining the media's status as a pillar of democracy.

Conclusion

The future of Africa's democracy hinges on striking a delicate balance between the media's transformative potential and the safeguards needed to prevent its misuse.

By fostering informed, united and empowered citizens, the media can continue to advance political participation and accountability while addressing the threats posed by misinformation and divisive rhetoric. 

With concerted efforts from governments, media practitioners and civil society, the media can remain a powerful force for democracy and stability across the continent.

The writer is the Director of Kingdom Concepts Consult and the convenor of Multistakeholder Dialogue on Media and Security

Email:princess.sekyere@gmail.com