Journalists Trained to Promote Peace Through Election Reporting
The CFSC is implementing the Peace and Co-existence project in Mangochi believed instrumental in ensuring a conflict-free environment in the district.
MANGOCHI, Malawi - The Center for Social Concern has trained journalists in Mangochi district on writing stories that promote peace and co-existence ahead of next year's general elections, writes Francis Polinyu Banda.
Speaking after the two-day training Thursday, CFSC Deputy Director Father Matthews Banseh urged the reporters to utilize the skills imparted, as the district has a history of political, cultural and religious conflicts during elections.
"This training was organized to empower these journalists with skills and knowledge on how they can single out issues to focus on and deal with in order to promote peace," Father Banseh said.
"Our expectation is that you reporters will continue doing a good job because we know that you are already doing a good job."
He said it's common during elections in Africa for violent acts by politicians seeking votes to occur, so it's vital to address the root issues attracting such conflicts.
"Conflicts have their sources and motives. Journalists should always dig deep and establish the root cause and whose interest those conflicts are serving," Banseh added.
The training covered investigating stories, steps for investigative reporting and advocacy journalism ahead of the Malawi Electoral Commission preparing for a postponed by-election in Mwansa ward on July 23 after alleged voter registration irregularities.
The CFSC is implementing the Peace and Co-existence project in Mangochi believed instrumental in ensuring a conflict-free environment in the district.