International development cooperation is increasingly facing targeted disinformation campaigns, according to Germany’s Federal Minister for Development Cooperation, Reem Alabali Radovan. In an interview with the Tagesspiegel, she highlighted the proliferation of false information regarding the scope and allocation of German development aid, citing “fabricated figures” being widely circulated.
Radovan expressed concern over the impact of these narratives, particularly those amplified by prominent figures. She specifically addressed comments made on the X platform (formerly Twitter) by US entrepreneur Elon Musk, who recently alleged that development funds are routinely diverted into the pockets of corrupt government officials. Radovan stated that such assertions, given Musk’s extensive reach, resonate negatively within Germany and undermine the credibility of development efforts.
The Minister suggests this disinformation strategy is deliberately designed to weaken multilateral approaches and international collaboration. She emphasized the importance of accurately portraying development initiatives and countering narratives that are intended to discredit the sector.
