CAMASEJ unveils safety handbook for journalists in conflict zones.

The workshop organised with funds from Open Society Foundation was organised Friday, June 13. It focused on elections reporting.

The handbook dubbed 'CAMASEJ Safety Handbook' is divided into four chapters, providing practical safety guidelines for journalists.

The guide addresses crucial issues journalists must abreast themselves with on pre-assignment preparation, real-time field reporting, risk assessment, and post-coverage safety measures. 

Commenting on the new guiding document for journalists, the National President of CAMASEJ, Jude Viban, said it is not just a book, but a lifeline.

Viban described the handbook as a necessary shield for members of the association and media professionals across the country. 

“The safety of journalists is the safety of democracy. We cannot preach peace without first protecting the voice that carries it," he stated.

Addressing participants at the beginning of the workshop, Viban said it aimed at equipping journalists with essential skills to navigate the complexities of elections reporting while prioritising their personal safety and security 

"We have crucial elections coming up this year which puts the country at a crossroad and we know how important the role of the media is; because only the media can carry information to the public so that they can make informed choices on what they need. The media can also expose the weaknesses of the election process if it not well done," he explained.

On his part, one of the lead facilitators, Dr Mbinglo Gilles, highlighted the need for media professionals to ground their reporting in legal knowledge and ethical principles. 

“Know your constitution, understand the electoral code, communication Laws and regulations in force…,” he said, while reminding them of the moral responsibility journalists owe to the society during electoral seasons.

The workshop also dealt on topical issues like gender mainstreaming in elections reporting, evolution of elections reporting, pitching amongst other contemporary issues. 

The facilitators hammered on the need for participants to inform the public responsibly, verify facts, and steer citizens away from misinformation and manipulation.

With the skills gained by participants, the journalists were challenged to share the knowledge acquired with their colleagues in their chapters. 

One of the participants, Karine Kubong, of the Cameroon Radio Television, CRTV, described the Bafoussam workshop as a life-changing experience.

Kubong said she gained valuable insights and skills in elections reporting. The broadcast journalist credited the workshop with equipping her to accurately cover the upcoming presidential election in October, highlighting the safety handbook as a crucial document for journalists. 

"This workshop was an eye-opener, especially for a budding political reporter like myself. I gained practical insights, from dressing strategically to avoid being targeted in certain areas to the importance of having an emergency contact book, a lifesaver in case your phone goes missing amongst others," she said.

Buea-based journalist, Njodzeka Danhatu, stated that he was well-equipped to report on the upcoming presidential election, while appreciating the importance of the safety handbook. 

"The workshop was so enriching to me. Getting to learn about ways of ensuring safety while reporting during elections,” he said adding that: "I believe it should be the journalists’ handbook, especially for some of us operating in the crisis zones”.

“Before going for the workshop, my knowledge was limited in several areas. However, my scope has widened now, and it is thanks to the workshop,” he continued.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3475 of Monday June 16, 2025