After the capitals of the four natural regions of the country, the Training and Development Center in Information and Communication Techniques organized a workshop of exchange and reflection for a group of journalists from the written, online and audiovisual press. The workshop organized on October 29 and 30, with the support of the Media Development Support Fund (FADEM), focuses on the fight against hate speech and incitement to violence. The two structures hope, thanks to the media, to curb calls for hatred and violence in Guinea.
Guinea is at a crossroads. The tensions linked to the management of the transition continue to rise crescendo. FADEM, in collaboration with the Center for training and development in information and communication techniques, works to prevent the spread of messages of hatred and violence, particularly in the media. It brought together around fifty media people around the theme: “ Media and the fight against hate speech and incitement to violence » in the premises of the Ministry of Information and Communication. Objective, to equip participants with concepts related to the prevention of hate speech and violence. The opening ceremony was chaired by the Minister of Communication and Information, Fana Soumah. He was accompanied by the representative of the United Nations Human Rights Organization, Aimé Kakolo Ntumba, the director of FADEM, Souleymane Bah as well as the director of the Training and Development Center in Information and Communication Technologies. communication, Abdoulaye Djibril Diallo.
In her speech, Fana Soumah explained that such a framework for exchange comes at the right time, given the major role that journalists have to play in maintaining peace and cohesion, particularly in this period of transition: “ They must exercise discernment and prioritize the national interest. They must collect, but above all treat the information they disseminate with rigor and responsibility… The media must refuse to serve as a relay for hate speech, stigmatization and exclusion. »
Souleymane Bah, CEO of FADEM, insists on the need to prioritize peace and cohesion: “We are going through a period of transition where peace, stability, national unity and social cohesion must be preserved at all costs… We need today and for the future, free, transparent media that play an essential role between false information and reliable information. » However, he warns against the consequences that a lack of professionalism could cause: “We are aware that the period we are currently going through is conducive to social tensions. Hateful speech and incitement to violence, if not controlled, can have disastrous consequences for our social cohesion. Your role in disseminating reliable information is crucial. »
For Aimé Kakolo Ntumba, representative of UN-Human Rights, the meeting is an opportunity for media professionals to strengthen their skills on “the fight against hate speech in the media. We are convinced that the press can play a decisive role in raising awareness, cohesion and education. It can contribute to building a Guinea that is more peaceful and respectful of all… We hope that together we can explore best practices to identify and counter hatred. »
Souleymane Bah, director of the Media Development Support Fund, FODEM, expressed his expectations: “Multiply these tools received through these experts, to better host programs which will allow the population to become better informed. As you know, information is public, it must be accessible to everyone. It is important to allow the population to have reliable and credible information. »
Hadja Kadé Barry, participant, promises to provide feedback to her editorial team: “We learned a lot about incitement, violence and hate speech. What I really liked among the themes were the notions of Human Rights. That is to say, the difference between the violation of Human Rights and the attack on Human Rights. I also understood the social responsibility of the journalist in the exercise of his profession, especially since we are in a transitional period, a journalist must not allow himself to disseminate any information. » For this journalist, it is necessary to respect the ethics and professional conduct of journalism, so that the information is true and impartial: “As soon as I return to my editorial office, I intend to restore what I have learned, so that the entire editorial team make good use of it. »
During the two days, several themes were addressed. These include ethics and professional conduct, the technique of hosting interactive programs and talk shows.
Yacine Diallo and
Souleymane Bah
2024-10-30 18:48:00
The recent workshop organized in Guinea by the Training and Development Center in Information and Communication Techniques, supported by the Media Development Support Fund (FADEM), represents a significant effort to address pressing social issues such as hate speech and incitement to violence. Focused on enhancing the capabilities of journalists across various media platforms, this initiative aims to empower participants with crucial knowledge and skills necessary for fostering peace and stability during a particularly tumultuous period of national transition.
Key Takeaways from the Workshop:
- Purpose and Objectives: The workshop was designed to equip journalists with the concepts and tools needed to combat hate speech and violence in media. Given the existing tensions in the country, this initiative seeks to harness the media’s influential role in promoting social cohesion and responsible communication.
- High-Level Participation: The event was attended by key figures, including the Minister of Communication and Information, Fana Soumah, and representatives from international human rights organizations. Their presence underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between governmental and non-governmental bodies in addressing these issues.
- Emphasis on Responsibility: Minister Fana Soumah highlighted the critical role journalists play in maintaining national peace and unity. The call for discernment and responsible information dissemination emphasizes that media should not serve as a conduit for hatred or division. This sentiment was echoed by other officials who stressed the media’s role in distinguishing between reliable information and misinformation.
- Consequences of Negligence: Souleymane Bah, CEO of FADEM, warned of the potential repercussions of unprofessional journalism during this sensitive period. The call for transparency and credibility in reporting reflects a broader concern for the stability of national unity and social cohesion.
- Actionable Strategies: UN representative Aimé Kakolo Ntumba underscored the workshop as an opportunity for media professionals to build practical skills to combat hate speech, reinforcing the belief in journalism’s capacity to foster a more cohesive society. The focus on “best practices” highlights the collaborative approach necessary for effective implementation.
- Public Access to Information: Souleymane Bah also emphasized the necessity of making reliable information accessible to the public, reiterating that informed citizens are crucial for a healthy democracy. This reflects a commitment to transparency and an inclusive communication strategy.
Conclusion
The workshop in Guinea represents a proactive step toward mitigating the dangers posed by hate speech in a nation experiencing political and social transitions. By equipping journalists with the necessary tools and fostering a sense of responsibility in reporting, stakeholders aim to promote a culture of peace and stability. This initiative not only empowers media professionals but also serves to enhance public discourse and contribute to a more informed society. Through continued collaboration and commitment to ethical journalism, there exists the potential for building a more harmonious Guinea.