LEFT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources have a slight to moderate liberal bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor liberal causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Left-Center sources.
- Overall, Balobaki Check is a Congolese fact-checking project with a left-center bias, primarily due to its focus on progressive democratic values, yet with a strong commitment to neutrality. It is rated High for factual reporting, with transparent funding, IFCN membership, and verifiable sourcing in its reporting.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: LEFT-CENTER (-3.0)
Factual Reporting: HIGH (0.5)
Country: Democratic Republic of Congo
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: LIMITED FREEDOM
Media Type: Organization/Foundation
Traffic/Popularity: Minimal Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: HIGH CREDIBILITY
History
Balobaki Check was founded in 2022 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, as part of the KOYEKOLA Center NGO. Its mission is to combat disinformation, hate speech, and misinformation while strengthening democracy and promoting media literacy. The word “Balobaki” means “they said/they claimed” in Lingala.
Read our profile on Media and Government in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Funded by / Ownership
Balobaki Check is an editorial project of the KOYEKOLA Center, a registered NGO in Kinshasa. According to their Who Funds Us page, initial funding came from the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA). More recent funding is diversified: Canada Grant (30%), IFCN Grant (27%), Internews (14%), Fondation Hirondelle (4%), La Francophonie Innovation Prize (20%), and membership fees (5%). Their business model also includes training consultancy. They explicitly reject political party funding.
Analysis / Bias
Balobaki Check is a Congolese fact-checking and media education outlet. They are members of Africa Fact and are listed on the IFCN’s Code of Principles. Articles such as Be Careful: Hate Speech of a Tribal Nature Undermines National Cohesion rely on Congolese law, international charters, and church statements, presenting balanced perspectives.
Another report, The Difficulty of Accessing Reliable Information, co-authored with Africa Check, highlights the dangers of disinformation in the conflict with M23 rebels, citing UN and WFP sources. The tone is factual and cautious. Editorial lean is slightly progressive, focusing on human rights, democracy, and media transparency, but not overtly partisan.
Failed Fact Checks
- No failed fact checks by independent third parties were found. Instead, Balobaki Check produces fact checks and explanatory reports.
Overall, Balobaki Check is a Congolese fact-checking project with a left-center bias, primarily due to its focus on progressive democratic values, yet with a strong commitment to neutrality. It is rated High for factual reporting, with transparent funding, IFCN membership, and verifiable sourcing in its reporting. (D. Van Zandt 08/28/2025)
Source: https://balobakicheck.com/
Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources