A regional workshop focusing on the legal protection of journalists covering environmental issues opened on Monday, June 8, 2026, in N’Djamena. The three-day event is organized by an international press freedom organization in partnership with the ministries of Communication and Environment.
The gathering brings together around twenty media professionals from Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It is part of the ‘Defending and Protecting Environmental Journalism in the Sahel’ project, which aims to improve working conditions for journalists covering environmental topics.
The main goal is to strengthen participants’ knowledge of their rights, existing protection mechanisms, and ways to prevent professional risks, while fostering better cooperation among journalists, legal experts, and human rights organizations.
A project coordinator for sub-Saharan Africa explained that the initiative aims to equip journalists with the skills needed to work under better conditions.
“Participants will have the opportunity to discuss sensitive topics, examine various national and regional legal frameworks, and strengthen their knowledge of digital security and risk management,” she specified.
The Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, who attended the workshop, praised Chad’s selection to host this regional meeting. He noted that Sahel countries face numerous challenges regarding journalist protection and press freedom.
“Media professionals have a vital role in raising public awareness about environmental issues, but they must also have a framework that guarantees their safety and protection,” he said. “This training will allow participants to acquire practical tools for risk analysis, understanding legal texts, and combating disinformation—aspects that have become essential in modern journalism.”
Over the three days, participants will share experiences and build their capacities to better inform the public about environmental challenges while working in safer conditions.
