The Moroccan and Mauritanian journalists’ unions have warned against the spread of inflammatory content and misinformation on social media, calling for responsible reporting and greater efforts to protect relations between the two countries.
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In a joint statement issued on October 24, 2026, the National Press Union of Morocco and the Mauritanian Journalists’ Union expressed concern about online campaigns they said could fuel hostility, deepen disagreements and undermine the longstanding ties between the two peoples.
The statement comes amid concerns over social media posts that go beyond legitimate criticism and instead promote insults, misleading narratives and generalisations about entire populations.
Unions Warn Against Misinformation
The two organisations highlighted the risks posed by anonymous or fake accounts that spread unverified claims, misleading information and edited content to provoke tensions between Morocco and Mauritania.
They also warned against attributing the statements or behaviour of individuals to an entire population, saying such generalisations can damage mutual trust and reinforce harmful stereotypes.
The unions stressed that freedom of expression remains a fundamental right, but said it must be exercised responsibly. They argued that it should not be used to justify hate speech, incitement or attacks on the dignity of individuals and communities.
Call for Responsible Journalism
The joint statement called on journalists, media organisations and digital content creators to verify information before publishing it and avoid amplifying hostile or misleading material.
It also urged digital platforms and relevant authorities to address content that incites hatred, discrimination or violence, while ensuring that measures to combat such material do not restrict legitimate criticism or freedom of expression.
The unions further encouraged social media users in both countries to avoid sharing provocative posts and unverified claims. They emphasised that individual comments do not necessarily represent the views of an entire society.
Strengthening Media Cooperation
The two unions reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation in media awareness, information verification and efforts to counter hate speech.
They also called for joint professional initiatives to encourage dialogue and strengthen communication between Moroccan and Mauritanian journalists.
The statement concluded that protecting relations between the two countries is a shared responsibility. It urged citizens and media professionals to prioritise dialogue, verified information and mutual respect over online hostility.