Bafoussam: Journalists simulate safety techniques to guard against hurdles as they practice

By Martial Gnoukapasir

Journalists simulate safety techniques in covering a protest

At the one day practical program organized by the non governmental organisation 'Un Monde Avenir' under the Citizen Action for Press Freedom project, it was explained to the journalists drawn from the North West and West regions that the purpose for the knowledge sharing and simulation exercise was intended to help them negotiate their way out of the physical and digital insecurity they go through in the process of gathering, treating and disseminating information on daily basis to the society.

In his module - Understanding how to use the numerical tools and methods in achieving security of journalists and the press in general, chartered judicial expert - thierry Minka also pointed out that the crisis in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon has amplified the risks of journalists practicing in these regions.

A cross section of journalists receiving lectures on the subject matter

Reasons why they must master standard security procedures to come out from dangerous situations and stay alive as they practice.

The workshop of December 2nd in bafoussam came in handy considering the fact that a good number of Journalists covering the conflicts in the English speaking regions have been victims of minor and major injuries oweing to their lack of skills in negotiating their way out of dangerous situations.

From what and how to eat and drink, mastering the basic first aid tools, to how they must dress and carry themselves in their respective communities, were detailed to the journalists.

"These are the things you must master and add to the core journalism principles of credibility, fairness, objectivity etc to stay safe both On and Offline"

Chattered judicial expert thierry Minka presenting the numerical tools necessary to achieve press freedom

While calling on the journos to master the laws governing their sector, especially the digital security laws to avoid falling into situations that may stiffen their fundamental rights and liberties as they practice online, certain online tools were provided them to help them maintain security and confidentiality as they work online as well.

Understanding the laws and mastering them will steer them clear from harm's way, which guarantees press freedom to some extend in the country.