"Report The Conflict Without Feeding The Flames"- Defyhatenow Cameroon Tells Journalists.

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By Martial Gnoukapasir

Cross section of workshop participants


Over 20 Journalists of the print, audiovisual and online news outlets practicing in the North West region of Cameroon have been reminded of the necessity to do their job professionally without fanning the flames of conflict during crisis.

This was during a 3-day capacity building workshop in Bafoussam organised by Defyhatenow Cameroon - a fact-checking organisation mobilizing youths, grassroot organisations, Media and community leaders to support actions against online induced conflict within and outside conflict prone regions.

Desmond Ngala - Defyhatenow Cameroon Country Director
Desmond Ngala - Defyhatenow Cameroon Country Director.

Dubbed "Catalyzing Media For Peace and Justice In Cameroon", the country director of Defyhatenow Cameroon Desmond Ngala at the beginning of the workshop said the training was necessary to assist journalists respond positively to conflicts, paying attention to disregarded elements of fake news and Hate speech, which often go unchecked and in one way or the other fuel the conflicts they report.


Eugene Nforngwa of the African Knowledge & Policy Centre (AKPC), main facilitator of the three-day training program said in reporting a conflict, journalists must learn to represent facts faithfully and in context.

They must be deligent and critical in verifying them and present the fullest version of the story for the population to make informed choices.

"Due accuracy is fundamental to the reputation of journalists who should do all within their ability to avoid false, inaccurate and misleading statements" he added.



Eugene Nforngwa - Workshop Trainer

His Co-facilitator Abong Babey Blaise said journalists especially in times of conflict must continue to serve the best interest of society by studying the root causes and report the early warning signs.

They are also responsible for educating the public on the conflict, provide a channel of information to worrying parties and the masses to make informed decisions.

"Broadening the search for solution is one of the best ways of contributing to the peace process"

Abong Babey Blaise - facilitator

It was also re-echoed that the Mass Media remains critical and vital in shaping beliefs and behaviour, supplying critical information and holding power to account.

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