CAMASEJ National Trains Journalists on Safety Measures for Election Reporting

The Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ National) has trained its members on safety strategies essential for covering elections, particularly in regions affected by conflict.

Two-Day Workshop

The training took place during a two-day workshop in Bafoussam, West Region of Cameroon, focused on election reporting and the validation of the CAMASEJ safety handbook. The event brought together over 25 journalists from various regions including Bertoua, Buea, Kumba, Bamenda, Yaoundé, and Limbe.

According to CAMASEJ National President, Jude Viban, the initiative comes ahead of Cameroon’s presidential election scheduled for October 2025. Viban emphasized the importance of journalists in educating the public and ensuring transparency during the electoral process.

“The media will play a crucial role in educating people to make informed choices and also expose ills if election processes are not properly conducted,” he said.

Focus on Journalist Safety in Conflict Zones

Viban highlighted the need for journalists to prioritize their safety, especially when reporting from high-risk areas such as the Northwest and Southwest regions.

“We intend not to save them. We prefer that they should be safe while reporting,” he stated.

He noted that the workshop was timely in equipping journalists with skills to navigate risky environments. A safety guide handbook was also presented and validated during the training.

“The book is like a working document for every journalist to hold so that they can have some skills and ideas on measures we can take in order to safely report the election,” Viban explained.

Key Safety Guidelines for Journalists

International journalist Amindeh Blaise Atabong led a session on safety and security during election reporting. He advised journalists to assess potential threats, communicate their whereabouts with team members, and evaluate the necessity of on-site coverage.

“No story or picture is worth more than your life,” Atabong warned, stressing the importance of protective gear and maintaining a low profile in high-risk areas.

Additional presentations included:

• “Evolution of Election Reporting in Cameroon” – Dr. Gilles Mbinglo
• “Pitching During Election Coverage” – Amindeh Blaise Atabong
• “Gender Mainstreaming in Election Reporting” – Nsono Josephine
• “Safety Handbook” – Ndi Eugene Ndi

Knowledge Sharing Encouraged

Although CAMASEJ has over 400 members, fewer than 30 attended the Bafoussam training. President Viban urged attendees to disseminate the information within their local chapters.

“When you gain knowledge, it is also important to share it with your neighbour,” Viban said. “Everyone should be an ambassador.”

This workshop forms part of CAMASEJ’s broader strategy to enhance the role of media in peacebuilding, particularly in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. The event was supported by the Open Society Foundation.

CAMASEJ aims to increase journalistic participation in democratic and peace processes through continuous training and access to practical safety tools.

MMI