A three-day regional workshop focused on enhancing the legal protection of environmental journalists kicked off today in N’Djamena. Organized by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in partnership with the Ministry of Communication and the Ministry of Environment, the event brings together around 20 media professionals from Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.
This initiative is part of the broader project “Defending and Protecting Environmental Journalism in the Sahel”, designed to improve working conditions for journalists covering environmental issues in the region. Participants will deepen their understanding of legal frameworks, risk prevention strategies, and mechanisms for safeguarding their profession, while fostering collaboration among journalists, legal experts, and human rights defenders.
Speaking at the opening, Ndeye Diary Ba, RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa Project Manager, highlighted the urgency of equipping journalists with essential skills to navigate challenges in their field. “This workshop provides a platform to discuss pressing topics, review national and regional legal protections, and strengthen digital security practices. It’s about empowering journalists to report safely while combating misinformation.“>
Gassim Cherif Mahamat, Chad‘s Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson, emphasized the significance of hosting such an event in N’Djamena. He underscored the shared struggles across Sahel nations in ensuring press freedom and journalist safety, noting that environmental reporters play a vital role in educating communities about climate and ecological challenges.
“Journalists are on the front lines of environmental awareness, but they deserve robust legal safeguards. This training equips them with tools to assess risks, interpret laws, and counter disinformation—critical skills for modern journalism.“>
Over the next three days, attendees will exchange insights, refine their expertise, and develop strategies to report on environmental crises more securely. The workshop underscores a collective commitment to strengthening press freedom and sustainable journalism in the Sahel.