Over a full day, fifteen journalists underwent crucial training covering vital subjects such as pre-reporting risk assessment, best practices during crisis situations, safeguarding sensitive data and sources, and effectively managing trauma associated with challenging assignments.
Yanick Bezang, who coordinates the Cameroun Média Plus project, emphasized that reporter safety has become a fundamental aspect of the profession. He stated at the session’s opening, “Journalists are often tasked with covering conflicts, natural disasters, public demonstrations, or periods of political unrest. Their dedication to informing the public must never compromise their physical or psychological well-being. This program equips them with practical tools to better anticipate dangers and carry out their duties with greater confidence.”
This vital initiative arrives at a time when media professionals frequently encounter challenging environments, whether dealing with the repercussions of the crisis in the North-West and South-West regions, responding to natural calamities, or reporting on highly sensitive events.
Blaise Atabong Amindeh, the session’s instructor, underscored the critical need to embed safety protocols into daily journalistic practices. He explained, “A journalist’s primary defense remains their preparation. The ability to identify potential dangers, assess surroundings, and secure movements or communications can be life-saving in the field. Safety is not an impediment to journalism; rather, it is now an indispensable prerequisite for it.”
Larissa Ndjakomo, one of the participants, affirmed that the security training addresses a genuine necessity. “We often concentrate solely on generating content, without always fully grasping the risks we encounter,” she shared. “This day has enabled me to develop crucial reflexes that I intend to apply during my future assignments. I leave feeling significantly better prepared and more confident.”
The Yaoundé training session marks the third in a series planned across Cameroon’s ten regions. This initiative falls under the Cameroun Média Plus project, spearheaded by the International Federation of Journalists, with the goal of fostering a safer, more professional, and ultimately more resilient media landscape.
