Maputo, 10 Jun (AIM) – Mozambican Interior Minister, Arsénia Massingue, on Friday called for better communication, in quantity and quality, in order to neutralize the damaging effects of the circulation of false news among Mozambican communities.
According to Massingue, communicators must always be attentive to the circulation of false news so that, in good time, they can provide the necessary clarification, for the good of truth and public security.
“In these cases, the time of reaction is determinant to mitigate the damage done by false news”, said the Minister, addressing the opening of a National Meeting on Planning and Harmonising Communication activities in the Interior Ministry, held at the Police Science Academy (ACIPOL) on the outskirts of Maputo.
“Since you (communicators of the various areas of the Ministry) are the interface between the institution and the public, you must professionalise your activities”, she stressed. “It is urgent that we communicate more, in both quantity and quality”.
The need arose, she continued, because of today’s reality of the proliferation of false news stories that distort reality.
“Our sector has also been a victim of this phenomenon”, the Minister said. “When it occurs, it endangers the normal course of our activities, affects the image of the institution, and can generate instability”.
Massingue added that her Ministry is convinced that, with careful planning and by following the state of public opinion, and the news items that are published, and by taking a pro-active attitude, it will provide a better service.
“That’s why we’re holding this event”, she said, “to ensure efficient and effective planning, since on it depends reaching our targets and the success of our institution”.
She hoped that the meeting would be marked by frank and constructive debates, free of any taboos, and aimed at achieving results, based on the planning made by each sector.
The event is taking place under the motto: “Interior Ministry, promoting Public Relations for a good institutional image”.
(AIM)
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