International development cooperation is increasingly facing a surge in targeted disinformation campaigns, according to Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reem Alabali-Radovan. In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, the Minister highlighted the proliferation of false claims regarding the scale and allocation of German development aid, describing the spread of inaccurate figures as “fantastic numbers.
The Minister expressed concern over the impact of such disinformation, citing U.S. entrepreneur Elon Musk as a key contributor. Musk’s repeated assertions on his platform, X, alleging that development funds are diverted into the pockets of corrupt government officials, are gaining traction and undermining the credibility of Germany’s efforts. Alabali-Radovan emphasized the damage caused by these claims given Musk’s significant reach and influence.
The Minister’s observations suggest a deliberate effort to weaken multilateralism through widespread dissemination of misleading information, ultimately aiming to discredit international development initiatives and their impact. She underscored the importance of combating these narratives and reinforcing trust in the efficacy of collaborative efforts.