Amman – Friday, December 5, 2025
Supported by the European Union and on the occasion of ARIJ‘s 18th annual forum, ARIJ and Journalism & Citizenship are proud to announce the launch of the four year project “Bousolah“. This project aims to strengthen independent media, promote reliable information, and facilitate exchanges and dialogue between journalists in order to strengthen a resilient media ecosystem in the Middle East and North Africa, in the midst of information disorder, political and economic challenges.
This four-year project (August 2025 – July 2029), funded by the European Union (EU), and coordinated by the European Commission – Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf, is implemented by ARIJ (Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism), in partnership with the “Journalism & Citizenship” (J&C).Ce projet de quatre ans (août 2025 – juillet 2029), financé par l’Union européenne (UE) et coordonné par la Commission européenne – Direction générale du Moyen-Orient, de l’Afrique du Nord et du Golfe, est mis en œuvre par ARIJ (Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism), en partenariat avec l’association française «Journalisme et Citoyenneté» (J&C).
ARIJ & Journalism & Citizenship have collaborated in the past, but in this program they come together as a consortium to consolidate the efforts and build on the successes of the the Arab Fact-Checkers Network (AFCN), established by ARIJ in 2020, and the Sahafa Med initiative, launched by J&C in 2021. Both J&C and ARIJ have been working for 20 years in the field.
The name “Bousolah” was chosen because it is identical in Arabic and French (بوصلة – Boussole), meaning “compass” in English, symbolizing the need for direction amid the turbulent challenges facing media on both sides of the Mediterranean.Le nom “Bousolah” a été choisi car il se prononce de la même manière en arabe et en français (بوصلة – boussole), signifiant “compass” en anglais. Il symbolise la nécessité d’une orientation face aux défis complexes auxquels sont confrontés les médias des deux rives de la Méditerranée.
The ambition is to foster media development that promotes transparency, accountability and reliable information to enable the media and journalists to serve the public interest.
The three areas of intervention focus on strengthening skills and providing professional support to media and fact-checking organizations, fostering networking and cross-border collaboration, and enhancing strategic coordination among media development stakeholders.
The project “Bousolah” significantly supports and enhances fact-checking in the MENA region by fostering transparent and impartial fact-checking, directly targeting and strengthening fact-checking organizations, initiatives and individuals; in addition to incorporating fact checking in media organizations. The action will build stronger verification capabilities, produce verified content in Arabic language and enhance cross-border collaboration, and provide crucial support through dedicated efforts in capacity building, developing fact-checking methodologies, and enhancing fact-checking tools in Arabic language.
The Lead applicant in this project, ARIJ’s Director General Rawan Damen said, “ In these challenging times, when media, truth, accountability, and democracy are under pressure on both sides of the Mediterranean, each in their own way and at their own scale, we need each other more than ever. This is the moment to come together, EU and MENA, to build bridges through cross-border collaboration and reimagine a media ecosystem based on shared values, courage, and the belief that facts still matter. ”
Co-applicant in this project, J&C’s chairperson Jérôme Bouvier stated, “Dialogue and meetings around journalism are at the very heart of the missions of the Journalism & Citizenship Association” before continuing: “These issues are more relevant than ever. In an increasingly fragmented world, in a region ravaged by conflicts that generate misunderstandings and tensions, it is essential for us to continue and strengthen support for journalists who work daily to inform the citizens of North Africa and the Middle East.”
Bousolah marks a decisive step forward in the defense of independent journalism in a regional context facing growing disinformation. Through this initiative, ARIJ and Journalism & Citizenship intend to provide professionals with the necessary means to ensure rigorous and credible reporting.
About ARIJ
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Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) founded in 2005 is the first and leading nonprofit organization dedicated to investigative journalism in the Arab world. It strengthens transparency by equipping journalists and fact-checkers with specialized skills, resources, networks, safety and innovation.Fondé en 2005, Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) est la première organisation à but non lucratif dédiée au journalisme d’investigation dans le monde arabe. Elle promeut la transparence en offrant aux journalistes et vérificateurs de faits des compétences spécialisées, des ressources, un réseau solide, ainsi qu’un appui en matière de sécurité et d’innovation.
Founded in 2006, Journalism & Citizenship (J&C) is a French Foundation that promotes dialogue between journalists, media literacy experts, and citizens in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It organizes international forums and supports initiatives promoting quality information and democratic values.
About DG MENA – European Commission
The Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA) is the entry point of the European Commission for all countries in these three regions. The DG aims to develop strong partnerships with these countries based on mutual interest, to ensure common sustainable prosperity and resilience.
