Fifteen dedicated journalists recently participated in a comprehensive, single-day training session held in Yaoundé, focusing on critical aspects of their profession. The curriculum encompassed essential modules such as pre-reporting risk assessment, best practices for navigating crisis situations, robust data and source protection strategies, and effective management of trauma often associated with challenging assignments.
Yanick Bezang, who coordinates the International Federation of Journalists’ (FIJ) Cameroon Media Plus project, underscored the paramount importance of journalist safety, now considered an indispensable element of the profession. He observed that “journalists are frequently called upon to cover conflicts, natural disasters, public demonstrations, or periods of intense political tension. Their unwavering commitment to informing the public should never jeopardize their physical or psychological well-being. This training equips them with tangible tools to better anticipate dangers and carry out their duties with greater assurance.“
This crucial initiative unfolds against a backdrop where media professionals in Cameroon frequently encounter complex and often perilous environments. This includes the ongoing repercussions of the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions, the aftermath of natural catastrophes, and the sensitive nature of many events they are tasked with reporting.
Blaise Atabong Amindeh, the seasoned trainer for this session, emphasized the necessity of integrating safety protocols into the daily routine of journalism. He explained, “A journalist’s most effective defense remains their preparation. The ability to identify potential hazards, analyze an operational environment, and secure movements or communications can be life-saving in the field. Safety is not an impediment to journalism; rather, it is now a fundamental prerequisite for its practice.“
Larissa Ndjakomo, one of the training participants, articulated the genuine need that this safety program addresses. She shared, “We often concentrate intensely on the information we need to gather and produce, without always fully appreciating the risks we expose ourselves to. This day has provided me with practical reflexes that I intend to apply during my future assignments. I leave feeling much better prepared and significantly more confident.“
The Yaoundé session marks the third in a series of vital training programs being rolled out across all ten regions of Cameroon. This broader effort is a cornerstone of the Cameroon Media Plus project, spearheaded by the International Federation of Journalists, aimed at fostering a more secure, professional, and resilient media landscape throughout the nation.