The United Nations peacekeeping missions, particularly those in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), Mali (MINUSMA), and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), have found themselves in an increasingly complex and dangerous battleground – not just against armed groups, but against a relentless tide of disinformation. Imagine being a peacekeeper, dedicated to protecting civilians, stabilizing fragile regions, and building a foundation for peace, only to be branded a villain by the very communities you’re trying to help. This isn’t just a PR problem; it’s a direct threat to their lives and their ability to carry out their vital work. False accusations – that peacekeepers are arming rebel groups, collaborating with terrorists, or even greedily exploiting local resources – spread like wildfire, fueled by various actors with their own agendas. These baseless claims don’t just damage reputations; they erode trust, turn local populations against the peacekeepers, and create a hostile environment where their safety is constantly jeopardized. This insidious campaign of misinformation undermines the very core of peacekeeping, making it incredibly difficult for these missions to fulfill their mandates and, tragically, sometimes costing peacekeepers their lives.
This onslaught of disinformation is not a new phenomenon, but its intensity and sophistication have grown dramatically in recent years, particularly targeting MINUSCA, MINUSMA, and MONUSCO. When rumors and outright lies become pervasive, they distort the reality on the ground, making it harder for peacekeepers to distinguish friend from foe, or to gain the cooperation of local communities that are crucial for their success. The paper dives into this recent surge, examining how these three missions have attempted to combat the lies and the immense obstacles they’ve encountered. Historically, their response has largely focused on “strategic communications” – essentially, trying to tell their side of the story and correct factual inaccuracies. However, this paper argues that disinformation is far more than just a communications challenge. It’s a deeply political and strategic weapon, wielded to manipulate public opinion and undermine legitimate efforts for peace. To effectively counter this threat, missions need to look beyond simply issuing press releases; they need to understand the underlying political dynamics, the motivations of those spreading the lies, and the genuine grievances that might be exploited to give these falsehoods traction. It’s a battle for hearts and minds, rooted in the political and social fabric of the regions where these missions operate.
To truly grapple with this pervasive and damaging issue, the UN Department of Peace Operations and individual missions must ask themselves some profound and challenging questions. First, how can they move beyond a piecemeal approach and develop a truly integrated, cross-cutting strategy? Disinformation isn’t a problem confined to one department; it impacts every aspect of a mission, from security operations to community engagement. Therefore, it requires the sustained, proactive attention of mission leaders at the highest levels, treating it as a core strategic concern rather than a secondary communications task. Second, how can missions improve their ability to monitor and analyze disinformation, both in the digital realm and through traditional word-of-mouth? Tracking rumors and lies isn’t just about debunking them; it’s a vital way for missions to listen – to truly hear and comprehend the anxieties, fears, and frustrations of local populations. Understanding what people are talking about, even if it’s based on falsehoods, provides invaluable insights into local sentiments and potential flashpoints.
The speed of response is another critical challenge. Many UN personnel express frustration over the slow pace at which the organization can react to rapidly spreading disinformation. In the age of social media, a lie can circle the globe before the truth has even tied its shoes. Missions need to find ways to shorten their reaction time, to address falsehoods quickly and decisively before they become entrenched beliefs. Furthermore, the paper highlights a crucial point: much anti-UN disinformation isn’t isolated; it’s often woven into a larger, deeply embedded anti-UN or even anti-colonial narrative. This narrative often taps into legitimate historical grievances and anxieties about great-power politics. Simply refuting individual false claims might not be enough if the underlying narrative remains unchallenged. Missions must consider how to address not just the specific lies, but also the broader stories that give them context and power. This means engaging with complex historical wounds and contemporary political realities.
Ultimately, the goal isn’t just to counter lies, but to foster a healthier, more resilient information environment. From the perspective of civil society, one of the most impactful shifts the UN could make is to invest more heavily in supporting local journalists. In regions where independent media is often fragile or under attack, empowering local journalists to report accurately and responsibly can be a powerful antidote to disinformation. They are often the most trusted voices in their communities, and their ability to deliver factual information can build an essential bulwark against the spread of rumors and propaganda. Finally, the sheer scale and destructive potential of disinformation raise a fundamental question: do current approaches adequately address the problem, or is a more decisive, transformative shift in strategy required? Any such shift, however, must be underpinned by an unwavering commitment to principle: under no circumstances should UN missions ever stoop to using disinformation themselves. The credibility and moral authority of the UN are its most important assets, and they must never be compromised in the battle against falsehoods.
This paper is brought to us by Albert Trithart, a Senior Fellow and Head of Publications at IPI, who joined in November 2015. As Editor, he’s at the helm of developing and publishing IPI’s insightful policy reports and issue briefs, and he also serves as an editor for IPI’s Global Observatory. Trithart’s work demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of international relations and peacekeeping, and his analysis provides a crucial roadmap for the UN as it navigates the treacherous landscape of information warfare. His expertise shines through in his ability to dissect these intricate challenges and offer practical, principled guidance for the future.