Corrections & Retractions Policy
Last updated: August 2026
1. Our Stance on Transparency
The African Mail is dedicated to publishing fair, accurate, and contextually complete journalism. When an error occurs in our reporting, our policy is to acknowledge and correct it promptly, clearly, and visibly. We do not unpublish or alter stories silently without disclosing the nature of the change to our readers.
2. Classification of Corrections
Factual Corrections
Applied when an error of fact, misspelling of a proper name, inaccurate date, incorrect statistic, or erroneous geographic location is identified. The story is amended and a distinct "Correction Note" is appended at the top or bottom of the article specifying what was changed and when.
Clarifications
Applied when reporting is factually accurate but the phrasing could lead to a misunderstanding or lacks essential context. A "Clarification Note" is attached to provide the necessary supplementary information.
Retractions
Reserved for situations where the central premise of a publication is found to be fundamentally flawed, unverified, or in breach of our core journalistic ethics. The original publication is retained with an explicit retraction notice explaining the findings of the editorial investigation.
3. Video and Multimedia Corrections
When a factual error is discovered in a published video documentary, broadcast, or short-form reel, our media production team takes one of the following actions depending on the technical medium:
- Appends a pinned pinned editorial correction in the video player summary and top comments.
- Re-edits and re-renders the corrected segment with an on-screen title card noting the update.
- Updates all associated textual descriptions and article companions immediately.
4. How to Report an Error
Readers and subjects of coverage are encouraged to submit error reports directly to our editorial management desk. Please include:
- The specific URL of the article or video.
- The exact phrase, number, or claim believed to be in error.
- Supporting evidence, official documents, or primary source links demonstrating the correct information.
Send error submissions directly to corrections@theafricanmail.com. All inquiries are acknowledged and reviewed by senior editors within 24 business hours.