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When generative AI first appeared, many feared it would unleash a flood of fake content, overwhelming fact-checkers. However, recent data from the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) shows that generative AI has been a factor in only 1.3% of fact-checks conducted by its member organizations. Earlier research also found that AI-generated content likely had no significant impact on the 2024 European elections.
Yet, researchers caution that the absence of widespread AI-driven misinformation today does not mean Europe is immune in future elections. The technology’s capacity to mimic credible sources remains a ticking time bomb.
A recent investigation by BNR Nieuwsradio demonstrated how OpenAI’s Sora 2, the company’s latest video-generation model, can easily produce fake news videos that look indistinguishable from authentic broadcasts by Dutch outlets like BNR and NOS. One fabricated clip even appeared to show the VVD celebrating a major election victory—completely fictional, yet alarmingly realistic.
OpenAI has reportedly built safeguards into Sora 2 to prevent impersonation of English-language media, but Dutch outlets seem to have been overlooked.
The incident underscores an uncomfortable truth: while AI has not yet overwhelmed fact-checkers, it has the power to do so at any moment. Vigilance, transparency, and continued investment in verification tools are now essential pillars of responsible journalism in the AI era.
Mogadishu (Waagacusub Media) – Former Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo arrived in Mogadishu on Thursday morning, marking his first visit to the capital in several months. Farmaajo and his delegation landed at Aden Adde International Airport, where they were received by members of parliament, political figures, and sections of the public who had gathered to welcome him. Full Article
After months of waiting, the long-anticipated wage proposal from Dutch media employers has finally arrived—and it has sparked widespread disappointment across the journalism sector. Full Article
Laura Loomer, a controversial Trump ally, granted press access as mainstream reporters face restrictions. By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Washington D.C. (Waagacusub.net) – Former U.S. President Donald Trump has taken an unprecedented step to marginalize the independent press, replacing professional journalists with far-right activists and social media influencers who openly support him. Full Article
Waagacusub Media is the most trusted source of independent news and information in East Africa, serving audiences worldwide with credible journalism. As the definitive source for news, Waagacusub's reporting, photography, interactives, audio, and video content are published and broadcast by Somalia's leading newspapers, TV channels, apps, radio stations, websites, and magazines. Full Article
Waagacusub.net - The Federation of Somali Journalists has launched a campaign to combat the spread of false information, fake news, hate speech and propaganda. The federation says Somalia is already seeing a huge spike in social media misinformation campaigns ahead of elections expected before the end of July. Full Article
The Associated Somali Journalists is deeply concerned that journalists were today barred from covering the meeting of the leaders of the Federal Government of Somalia and Federal Member States (FMSs) as well as the Governor and Mayor of Mogadishu. Full Article
ASOJ.ORG - Associated Somali Journalists has today published New guidance (advices) setting out how journalists and media houses in Somalia can meet their media duties as they navigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Full Article
Ethiopian intelligence officials discovered that President Agjar and all the ministers he appointed belong to the religious group Al-Islah Al-Itihad. This became a surprise to them, according to an official who spoke to Waagacusub.com Full Article
Germany must do more, says Merkel after 'intense' NATO summit Full Article
Ugandan MP, journalists arrested as police disperse social media tax protest Full Article
Washington – U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the immediate cancellation of deportation protections for Somali nationals living in the state of Minnesota, sending shockwaves through one of the largest Somali diaspora communities in the world. In a strongly worded post shared online, President Trump stated: "Somali gangs are terrorizing the people of that great State, and BILLIONS of Dollars are missing. Send them back to where they came from. It's OVER!" The message has triggered widespread fear among Somali immigrants and families in Minnesota, many of whom have lived in the United States for decades and built stable communities.
By Dahir Abdulle Alasow – Investigative Sports Journalist Amsterdam – 18 November 2025 =The Dutch national football team is celebrating a historic achievement after officially qualifying for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a dominant 4–0 victory over Lithuania in Amsterdam on Monday night.
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – In a move highlighting Ethiopia's growing focus on Gulf partnerships, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has appointed Ambassador Jamal Bakar, a senior diplomat from the Somali Regional State, as the country's new Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
By Dahir Alasow – Investigative Journalist, Waagacusub Media Mogadishu | Waagacusub.net | November 2025 A new political alliance is taking shape in Somalia as nine influential political figures — drawn from different parties, civic movements, and government backgrounds — have united under one banner known as the Union for National Dignity (Midowga Haybad Qaran). The coalition, announced through a joint press statement in Mogadishu, aims to create a unified political front capable of "restoring national cohesion, governance integrity, and public confidence in Somalia's democracy."
Tensions, celebrations, and disappointment have swept across Somali social media circles following the fiercely contested Minneapolis mayoral election, where the race took on deep clan and community undertones among the city's large Somali diaspora.
Nairobi – A heartwarming development has captured national attention in Kenya after President William Ruto personally intervened to improve the living conditions of a young female police officer who had been residing in a makeshift iron-sheet shack. The officer was recently relocated to a modern, fully furnished apartment as part of the government's Affordable Housing project. The Affordable Housing initiative — one of the flagship social programs championed by President Ruto's administration — aims to uplift low-income families by providing access to dignified, safe and modern living spaces. The relocation of the police officer has become a powerful symbol of the government's commitment to prioritizing people living in hardship. Full Article
Washington / Minneapolis — Signs are increasingly pointing to a sweeping new crackdown by the United States against Somali-owned money transfer companies, raising alarm within the Somali-American community as political rhetoric intensifies. Full Article
Mogadishu – Somalia's Military Court has officially begun the trial of a senior al-Shabaab official, in a case that is being viewed as one of the most significant legal proceedings against the militant group in recent years. Full Article
The Hague – The Netherlands is witnessing a notable shift in its internal security landscape, driven by rising criminal activities, radicalization threats, and organized crime networks. In response, the national intelligence agency AIVD has increased monitoring and enforcement efforts across the country, signaling a new era of vigilance in safeguarding public safety. Full Article
The Hague – The Government of the Netherlands has announced a significant increase in emergency humanitarian assistance to Sudan, pledging an additional €10 million to support millions of civilians affected by the ongoing conflict and widespread displacement. The new funding comes on top of previous Dutch humanitarian contributions to Sudan, and it aims to provide urgent relief in areas such as food security, healthcare, clean water, shelter, and protection for vulnerable groups — including women, children, and internally displaced families. Full Article
Hormuud's Assault on African Peacekeepers Figure 14: African Peace Keepers Hormuud launched a scorching public campaign against the Kenyan military forces in AMISOM in late August 2019. Full Article
Former Intel official stripped from NISA membership Full Article
PM KHEYRE USELESS AND COSTY OVERSEAS TRIPS. Full Article
Abiy says 'New Year' will be celebrated in Eritrea, Ethiopian Airlines to resume flights Full Article
Massive rise in Islamist militant attacks in Africa Full Article
AI's Growing Shadow: Why Journalists Must Stay Vigilant in the Age of Synthetic News
Although artificial intelligence (AI) currently plays only a small role in fact-checking, its potential to generate highly convincing fake news remains deeply concerning. Experts warn that as AI tools become more powerful and accessible, journalists