Fifteen dedicated journalists recently participated in an intensive, full-day training session in Yaoundé, focusing on critical aspects of media safety. The curriculum covered essential themes such as proactive risk assessment before field assignments, adopting best practices during crisis situations, safeguarding sensitive data and sources, and effectively managing the psychological impact and trauma often associated with challenging reporting.
Yanick Bezang, who coordinates the International Federation of Journalists’ (FIJ) Cameroon Media Plus project, underscored the growing significance of journalist security as an integral part of the profession today. He emphasized that media professionals are frequently called upon to cover intense conflicts, natural disasters, public demonstrations, or periods of heightened political tension. Bezang stressed that their unwavering commitment to inform the public should never jeopardize their physical or psychological well-being. This specialized training, he noted during the opening, equips them with tangible tools to better anticipate potential dangers and carry out their duties with greater assurance.
This vital initiative unfolds against a backdrop where media professionals in Cameroon routinely navigate complex operational environments. These challenges include the ongoing ramifications of crises in the North-West and South-West regions, the impact of natural catastrophes, and the inherent difficulties in covering other sensitive events across the nation.
Blaise Atabong Amindeh, who led the training session, strongly advocated for integrating security protocols into the everyday practice of journalism. He highlighted that a journalist’s primary defense remains thorough preparation. The ability to identify potential threats, analyze surroundings, and secure one’s movements and communications can prove decisive in the field. Amindeh clarified that security is not an impediment to journalism; rather, it has become an indispensable prerequisite for its effective practice.
Larissa Ndjakomo, one of the participants, affirmed that the training directly addresses a pressing need within the journalistic community. She explained, “We often concentrate intensely on the information we need to produce, without always fully assessing the risks we face. This day has allowed me to acquire practical reflexes that I will certainly apply in my future assignments. I leave feeling much better prepared and more confident in my work.”
The Yaoundé training marks the third event in a comprehensive series being conducted across all ten regions of Cameroon. This broader effort is part of the Cameroon Media Plus project, an initiative spearheaded by the International Federation of Journalists, designed to foster a safer, more professional, and ultimately more resilient media landscape throughout the country.
