At the official launch of the Association of Journalists of the Spring of the Press of Côte d'Ivoire (AJPPCI) at the Maison de la Presse in Abidjan-Plateau, its president, Vakaba Touré, made a passionate appeal to the younger generation of media professionals. His message: to use artificial intelligence (AI) in moderation and to place ethics and fieldwork at the heart of their practice.

Returning to "pure journalism" to combat the excesses of AI

Led by the pioneers of the Ivorian pluralist press (class of 1990-1995), the AJPPCI is concerned about the impact of technological transformation on journalistic rigor. For Vakaba Touré, AI must remain a tool to assist and not a substitute for human judgment.

"We want to encourage our younger brothers not to overuse artificial intelligence and to return to pure, professional and rigorous journalism. That is what we have practiced and that is what we recommend to our younger colleagues," he stated.

The association points out that the credibility of the media rests on essential pillars:

1. Rigorous fact-checking;
2. Investigative and fieldwork;
3. The systematic cross-checking of sources;
4. The constant pursuit of the common good.

Mentoring as a bulwark against misinformation

Thirty-five years after the 1991 law on press freedom in Côte d'Ivoire, veterans of the sector intend to play a role in passing on their knowledge. Through training and mentoring initiatives, the AJPPCI aims to support the evolution of the digital sector while building barriers against misinformation.

"The fight for a free and responsible press is never over. It always requires courage, rigor and love for one's country," Mr. Touré insisted.

A sector in crisis supported by the government

Present at the ceremony, the representative of the Ministry of Communication, Méda Guillaume (Director of Audiovisual Development), gave an uncompromising assessment of the current challenges facing the Ivorian press:

1. Decline in print newspaper sales;
2. Logistical difficulties in distribution;
3. Financial insecurity among professionals, particularly former journalists.

Mr. Méda welcomed the establishment of the AJPPCI, seeing it as a key partner in structuring dialogue with the State. He also reminded everyone of the support mechanisms offered by the Media Support and Development Agency (ASDM).

In conclusion, and on behalf of Minister Amadou Coulibaly, he reaffirmed that despite the power of social media and AI, the public continues to turn to traditional media for credible information. The ministry assured the association of its full support for its future projects.