In May 2025, a wave of false claims about a coup in Ivory Coast swept across social media, triggering widespread concern and confusion. Dramatic videos showing armed soldiers and fake news broadcasts began circulating rapidly, giving the impression that a military takeover was underway in Abidjan. For residents and observers alike, the rumours caused alarm, especially amid rising political tensions ahead of the country’s presidential elections.
Despite the vivid imagery and urgent tone of these posts, the coup never happened. The footage being shared was either AI-generated or repurposed from unrelated events, such as military clashes in South Asia. Yet, these misleading narratives gained massive traction, fueled by a growing trend of disinformation campaigns aimed at destabilising governments seen as too closely aligned with Western powers.
Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara, expected to run for a fourth term, has become a particular target. His critics accuse him of serving foreign interests at the expense of the continent. This sentiment feeds into a broader anti-Western narrative popular among a growing group of self-declared pan-Africanist influencers who are increasingly vocal online.
These influencers frequently promote figures like Burkina Faso’s military leader, Capt Ibrahim Traoré, who is widely viewed by his supporters as a bold, anti-imperialist symbol. Traoré’s image and ideology often dominate online content shared across Africa, from Nigeria to Kenya and South Africa, turning him into a rallying figure for those disillusioned with traditional democratic systems.
The fake coup story in Ivory Coast appears to have been amplified by content creators based in neighbouring countries. One of the early viral videos urged Ivorian soldiers to rise up and was followed by manipulated footage falsely depicting an active coup. These posts quickly spilled over into the wider digital ecosystem, where English-speaking influencers further pushed the narrative to their audiences across Africa.
Some influencers, despite lacking any verified evidence, continued to assert the coup had taken place, using the opportunity to call for the removal of leaders they perceive as corrupt or compromised. They justified their posts as part of a broader struggle for African liberation and sovereignty, aligning their messaging with the ideals of pan-Africanism—even as their actions sowed confusion and fear.
This surge in politically charged disinformation has proven lucrative for many of its promoters. Videos speculating on coups or dramatizing events in the Sahel regularly generate hundreds of thousands of views. For some content creators, this attention translates directly into revenue, while for others, it builds influence and credibility among audiences hungry for strong, revolutionary narratives.
The appeal of such content is undeniable, especially among younger Africans frustrated with stagnant economies, perceived corruption, and lack of opportunity. Many see military figures like Traoré as symbols of hope and transformation. However, critics warn that glorifying military rule under the guise of pan-Africanism can dangerously blur the line between genuine advocacy and manipulation.
The spread of false claims about a coup in Ivory Coast did more than just stir online drama—it heightened political anxieties in a volatile region, just months before a crucial election. As the continent continues to grapple with its future, the role of social media influencers and digital narratives will remain central to how power and politics play out across Africa.
