A statement widely shared on social media attributes to the Ivorian Ministry of Communication the announcement of an official visit to Ivory Coast by Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the terrorist group Coalition of Azawad Movements (JNIM). This is FALSE. The document in question is a blatant forgery.

The facts at a glance

1. The rumor: An alleged official statement claims that the leader of Ansar Dine and JNIM, Iyad Ag Ghali, is expected in Abidjan for bilateral discussions.
2. The verdict: The document is falsified. The Ministry of Communication never produced or published this text.
3. The goal of disinformation: To manipulate public opinion and create diplomatic or security tensions in the region.

Why it's a fake: the clues that betray the manipulation

Analysis of the document shared online quickly reveals several glaring anomalies, typical of disinformation campaigns:

1. Outdated or modified visual identity: The logo, graphic charter and layout do not conform to the official standards currently in force within Ivorian ministries.
2. Absence of official channels: This press release does not appear on any of the legitimate government communication channels (official website, verified Facebook or X pages of the ministry).
3. Major diplomatic inconsistency: Iyad Ag Ghali is an internationally wanted terrorist leader under sanctions. The announcement of an "official visit" by a sovereign state like Côte d'Ivoire is a complete diplomatic and security aberration.

The reaction of the authorities

Contacted by fact-checking services, the Ministry of Communication formally denied being the author of this document. Authorities regularly remind social media users to be vigilant and to rely only on announcements disseminated on verified government platforms (official government portal, certified ministerial pages).

Editor's note: During periods of regional tension, the circulation of fake official documents is a common strategy for spreading disinformation. Always verify the source before sharing.