Group lists media’s role in conflict prevention

The Centre for Democracy and Development, in partnership with the International Organisation for Migration and Mercy Corps, has underscored the critical role the media plays in promoting peace and preventing conflict in fragile communities, thus urging media practitioners to embrace ethical and conflict-sensitive reporting.

Speaking during a training for journalists in Katsina on Friday, CDD Regional Manager, North-West, John Lazing, described journalists as strategic actors whose work could either foster peace or fuel conflict.

According to him, the training was organised under the Conflict Prevention, Crisis Response and Resilience programme to strengthen the capacity of journalists in promoting peace and social cohesion across Katsina State and the North-West.

“Journalists are very key and strategic actors in every fragile environment. Their role is a double-edged sword. They have the power to make peace, build peace, and they also have what it takes to create conflict,” Lazing said.

While stressing the importance of conflict analysis in journalism, he noted that a poor understanding of the root causes of conflicts often results in inaccurate reporting capable of escalating tensions.

“Most of the time when we see conflicts continuing without solutions, it is because the diagnosis during the reporting process was wrong. Journalists must critically analyse conflicts, understand the root causes and report them in a way that will not inflame or escalate violence,” he noted.

Lazing expressed optimism that participants would demonstrate greater responsibility through ethical journalism and produce reports that promote peace and social cohesion.

Also speaking, the Head of IOM Sub-office for the North-West, Jean Nahesi Kutumbakana, said the training formed part of an EU-funded peacebuilding programme being implemented in Katsina and Zamfara States by IOM, CDD and MESICO.

He urged journalists to prioritise accurate and peace-oriented reporting, saying, “You are key stakeholders who can either put out fires or build peace. We want you to send true news and more reports on peacebuilding because we are working in a fragile environment.”

Kutumbakana also called for better coordination among media organisations to curb misinformation and encouraged media houses to ensure that only verified information is shared on their social media platforms.

“Truth should dominate. It should remain true, not fake news posted simply to attract attention or increase views,” he urged.

Participants, Haruna Salis Alhaji from Legend FM, Daura Local Government Area and Salihu Yantumaki, Pen Times Magazine, from Dandume Local Government Area, unanimously agreed to verify any piece of information before sharing or airing on their platforms.

“This training has encouraged us to daily verify any information either through the traditional, religious leaders, government and security institutions before going to press”, they said.