2024: Group trains journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting

A non-governmental organisation, Mercy Corps recently organised a workshop on conflict-sensitive reporting for peace media practitioners from Kano and Katsina states. 

The aim was to combat the narrative of stories that generate tension and pose negative consequences for society.

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SolaceBase reports that the workshop, held on Monday in Kano, aimed to help media personnel incorporate conflict sensitivity guidance into their reporting and build their capacity for responsible journalism.

Danjuma Saidu Dawop, Chief of Party Partner at Mercy Corps, mentioned that this workshop is one of many programs they have organized for various stakeholders. 

He highlighted the importance of this particular workshop for journalists due to their significant influence in shaping community thinking and behavior. 

Dawop was quoted saying, “We organized this workshop to work with journalists to identify sensitive conflict reporting mechanisms in their day-to-day work.”

When asked whether the workshop was related to the current nationwide planned protest, Dawop clarified that it had no connection with the planned August 1 protest against hunger and starvation in the country. 

He explained that the workshop is part of a broader plan to engage multiple stakeholders from Kano and Katsina.

“The workshop coincidentally took place on the same day as the planned protest,” he added.

Dawop emphasised that the journalists who participated in the workshop should disseminate the information not only within their organizations but also throughout their communities.

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Hannatu Muhammad, who led journalists from Katsina to Kano for the workshop, stated that the workshop was timely considering the current situation in the country and the planned nationwide protest. 

“The workshop is incredibly important, given our roles as journalists expected to report events. 

“We were trained on how to make reports that promote peace rather than inflict further tension in society,” she stated.