False Claim About Swiss Think Tank Linking Fulani People to West Africas….
The Circulating Claim
In late September 2025, a series of social media posts began circulating across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and WhatsApp, claiming that a Swiss security think tank the Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces (DCAF) had released research linking “75% of insecurity in Nigeria and West Africa” to the Fulani or Peul ethnic group. These posts presented the claim as an official finding, alleging that DCAF’s supposed research identified Fulani communities as a major source of regional instability, arms distribution, and militia involvement. The claim quickly gained traction across West African social media spaces, sparking heated discussions and ethnic backlash. However, upon close investigation, the claim collapses under scrutiny and is proven entirely false.
The Verified Reality
An independent fact-check by Reuters, published on October 16, 2025, revealed that no such research, statement, or report was ever issued by DCAF. The organization itself categorically denied the allegation. A DCAF spokesperson, when contacted for clarification, firmly stated that the institution was “unaware of such claims, which we categorically reject and condemn.” The spokesperson further emphasized that DCAF “has never made such a statement and would never do so,” citing that its mandate is rooted in democratic oversight, institutional reform, and accountability in the security sector not ethnic profiling or population-based blame narratives.
An in-depth review of DCAF’s official publications, archives, and ongoing research confirms this position. None of its reports or analyses target specific ethnic or religious communities. Instead, DCAF’s work revolves around improving governance and transparency in defense and police institutions globally. The alleged statistic of “75% insecurity linked to Fulani” does not appear in any known policy document, regional security analysis, or research affiliated with DCAF.
The Broader Context
The Fulani (also known as Fulbe or Peul) are a large transnational ethnic group spread across West and Central Africa, many of whom are pastoralists. Their nomadic way of life has historically brought them into contact and sometimes conflict lyses consistently show that the violence across the region is multi-causal, driven by overlapping issues such as climate change, desertification, population pressure, armed insurgencies, and weak governance structures. While some militant or self-defense groups with Fulani affiliation exist, attributing the majority of regional insecurity to one ethnic identity is factually inaccurate and dangerously misleading.
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in a 2021 report on “Pastoralism and Security in the Sahel” explained that local conflicts often stem from competition over land and water resources, compounded by the growing effects of climate stress and jihadist infiltration in ungoverned spaces. This complex web of socio-economic and environmental factors cannot be reduced to a singular ethnic narrative. Experts have warned that doing so risks fueling ethnic division and legitimizing hate-based propaganda that undermines peacebuilding efforts.
The Danger of Disinformation
The viral nature of the claim highlights how misinformation targeting ethnic or cultural groups can inflame already volatile tensions in regions affected by insecurity. False attributions of violence to an entire ethnic group not only distort public understanding but also risk triggering cycles of retribution and discrimination. In recent years, similar disinformation campaigns have circulated in Nigeria, Mali, and Burkina Faso, exploiting local grievances to incite violence. Fact-checkers, researchers, and digital watchdogs have repeatedly urged media consumers to verify the authenticity of security-related claims before amplifying them online.
DCAF’s clear repudiation of the false attribution serves as a reminder that credible institutions do not engage in ethnic stereotyping. Responsible information consumption and verification are therefore essential to prevent harmful narratives from spreading unchecked.
Conclusion
The viral claim that a Swiss think tank, DCAF, linked 75% of West Africa’s insecurity to Fulani people is completely fabricated. No such study, statement, or research exists in any of DCAF’s official archives. The organization’s mandate and past publications confirm that it focuses solely on security governance, not ethnic profiling. Independent reviews from Reuters, OECD, and other authoritative databases such as UNOWAS and ACLED corroborate this finding.
This misinformation is a classic example of weaponized disinformation fabricated to create ethnic division and mistrust under the guise of “research.” It holds no factual or institutional basis.
CyberPoe X | The Anti-Propaganda Frontline
