Stakeholders discuss media, CSO’s roles in supporting Cameroon’s policy outcomes.

The webinar was under the theme “the role of civil society organisations and the media in supporting policy outcomes”.

The panel discussion, moderated by CEPI founder, Henri Kouam, was to provide a platform for civil society organisations and media representatives to discuss strategies and frame- work for better cooperation between both entities.

According to Henri Kouam, the collaboration between CSO and media is indispensable for a well-functioning democracy like Cameroon.

However, he said, there is “no record of cooperation” between both entities to support or achieve policy outcomes that are directly linked to economic development.

One of the panelists, Peter Nsosie, journalist working with Douala-based television organ, Dash Media, observed the necessity for CSO’s to avail a communication plan and develop their social media presence before seeking to engage the media in order to ensure a more solid impact.

He also highlighted the need for the media and CSOs to forge collaboration so as to hold the government and other stake- holders accountable, while reinforcing good governance in the Cameroonian society.

On his part, Yanick Ngellewi, another journalist specialised in economic reporting, working with Yaounde-based radio station, Royal FM, advocated a realignment of objectives towards economic issues than focusing on social issues.

The economic reporter also outlined that human rights issues sometimes pulls away public attention from other pressing issues such as living standards, access to education and healthcare.

Media-CSO collaboration priorities

Going by the panelists, it is essential for the collaboration between media and CSOs to drift attention towards pressing economic issues such as the high cost of living, improvement of infrastructure and access to education.

It was also agreed that CSOs must regularly share their research results with the media through both formal and informal networks, which can encourage servant leadership and the improvement of economic policies in Cameroon.

Meanwhile, the media sector was also encouraged to diversify its pool of experts and establish sustainable relationships with research-based institutions that can respond to specific questions on Cameroon’s economic development.

The panelist equally stressed on the importance of media and CSOs to simultaneously perform their role as watchdogs of the society and ensure civil liberties, property rights and the economic freedoms of all citizens.

In order to promote a collaboration of trust, transparency and openness in ideas sharing, it was recommended organisations must disclose their funders and partners.

It is worth noting that CEPI is an organisation committed to improve the quality of economic policies in the country through fact-based research, debates, and advocacy to reduce poverty and improve the livelihoods of Cameroonians.