Fact-OGL

What is Fact-OGL?

Fact-OGL (Fact-Ondes des Grands Lacs) is a fact-checking and reliable information initiative dedicated to the Great Lakes region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Faced with the proliferation of misinformation, Fact-OGL is committed to producing rigorous, independent journalism rooted in local realities.

In a region often affected by rumours, fake news and media manipulation, Fact-OGL offers a factual, verifiable and professional perspective. Our team of journalists and fact-checkers works every day to separate truth from fiction and give citizens the tools they need to stay properly informed.

Our mission

Fact-OGL's mission is to promote a culture of reliable information in the Great Lakes region. We believe that well-informed citizens are the foundation of a healthy democracy and sustainable development.

• Fact-checking: Rigorous analysis and verification of information circulating in the region — social media, political speeches, rumours and public statements.
• Investigative journalism: In-depth investigations into topics that affect daily life — governance, economy, health, environment and security.
• Media literacy: Training citizens, particularly young people, in critical media reading and misinformation detection.
• Institutional transparency: Monitoring public action, political promises and decisions that affect local populations.

Our editorial values

1. Independence: Fact-OGL is not affiliated with any political party, economic group or lobby. Our investigations are conducted in full editorial freedom.
2. Rigour: Every piece of published information is verified against multiple independent sources before publication. We respect international fact-checking standards.
3. Transparency: Our methods, sources (within the limits of their protection) and corrections are always made public.
4. Accessibility: Our content is produced in French, Swahili and English to reach as many people as possible in the region.
5. Local impact: We prioritise topics that have a direct impact on the lives of Great Lakes communities.

What we cover

• Politics & Governance: Verification of elected officials' statements, tracking of campaign promises, analysis of institutional decisions.
• Local economy: Regional economic news, markets, businesses, investments and development.
• Public health: Verification of health information, combating medical misinformation and monitoring health crises.
• Security & Humanitarian: Verified information on security situations and humanitarian crises in the region.
• Environment: Natural resources, deforestation, Lake Kivu and climate issues specific to the region.
• Culture & Society: Social life, cultural heritage, local innovations and portraits of agents of change.

Our team

Fact-OGL is driven by a team of passionate journalists, researchers and technicians, trained in international verification journalism methods. We collaborate with regional and international partners to guarantee the quality and independence of our work.

Our network of correspondents covers the main urban centres of the Great Lakes region: Goma, Bukavu, Butembo, Beni, Rutshuru, as well as strategic rural areas.