A recent analysis highlights a shift in tactics used to undermine democracy in Africa, moving away from traditional military coups towards manipulation through social media. This new “assault” leverages the power of online platforms to control narratives and influence public opinion, mirroring the traditional role of a trickster figure in West African folklore, Ananse. Rather than overt force, the focus is on acquiring and disseminating stories – and misinformation – to gain control. This approach presents a subtle yet dangerous challenge to democratic processes across the continent. The author suggests this manipulation, facilitated by social media, is becoming a primary method of exerting influence and destabilizing governments. This shift demands a re-evaluation of strategies for protecting democratic institutions in the digital age, and understanding how information warfare is reshaping the political landscape in Africa. The subtle power of narrative control now rivals, and in some cases surpasses, the threat of military intervention.