2024-04-27 01:18:03
A viral rumor claims that Cameroonian football star Samuel Eto’o was named ” UN ambassador for peace », with a fantastic salary and privileges worthy of a head of state. Investigation and denial of a falsehood that ignites the web.
Eto’o UN ambassador: the misinformation that is panicking the networks
For several hours, Cameroonian social networks have been on fire. The reason ? A message that has gone viral announcing a major consecration for national football icon Samuel Eto’o. The former Barça scorer would have been named neither more nor less than“UN ambassador for peace“. A high-sounding title that would earn him a salary of $30,000 per month, the possibility of visa-free travel to more than 200 countries and quasi-diplomatic immunity.
The message, repeated repeatedly on Facebook, Twitter and WhatsApp, is enough to make more than one Cameroonian dream. “When God blesses you, no one can block you“, enthuses an Internet user. “ Bravo and respect to our national pride! “, added another. Problem: as the 237online.com editorial staff discovered while carrying out the investigation, this information is completely… false!
A title that doesn’t exist, fantasized privileges
First clue that should have alerted us: the title of“UN ambassador for peace » simply does not exist in the United Nations organization chart! The UN certainly has “ goodwill ambassadors », but it is an honorary role entrusted to celebrities to promote the causes and values of the Organization. They are not paid and do not benefit from extraordinary privileges such as visa exemption or diplomatic immunity.
Moreover, if such an appointment had taken place, it would necessarily have been the subject of an official UN announcement and extensive media coverage. However, there is nothing of the sort in UN communications channels or in the international press. The name of Samuel Eto’o does not appear anywhere in connection with any function at the UN.
The art of fake news » which flatters the ego
So where does this rumor come from? Difficult to say as it spread like wildfire, with no identifiable source. One thing is certain: she skilfully capitalizes on the pride of Cameroonians at seeing one of their own achieve world recognition. “ This is the kind of fake news that flatters the national ego, sociologist Alain Minkandé analyzes for 237online.com. By dangling recognition from a prestigious institution, she touches a sensitive chord« .
Moral: in the age of social networks, it is more crucial than ever to verify information before sharing it. Even (and especially) when they make us dream! Otherwise, we risk waking up with a hangover, like these thousands of Internet users fooled by the smoke and mirrors of a “Eto’o diplomat for 30,000 dollars”. Too bad for them, the truth is (a little) less flashy…