ADISI-Cameroon and CENOZO sign partnership agreement to promote quality journalism in West and Central Africa.
An agreement aimed at creating a platform for collaboration between journalists from West and Central Africa, with the goal of promoting quality journalism and strengthening the protection of journalists, has been signed in Douala during a press conference, on Wednesday December 6th, 2023.
Signing of partnership agreement by Paul-Joel KAMTCHANG(ADISI – Cameroon) and David DEMBELE(CENEZO)
The agreement was signed between ADISI-Cameroon, a Cameroonian civil society organization, and the Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO), an investigative and training center created by investigative journalists from West Africa, that seeks to contribute to good governance, security, democracy, and sustainable development in West African countries through the promotion of investigative journalism.
By signing the partnership agreement with ADISI-Cameroon, CENOZO aims to expand its activities to Central Africa and enhance collaboration among journalists in the region. Speaking at the conference, David DEMBELE, President of the Administrative Council of the CENOZO, said « This is clearly a partnership convention which will center on transnational partnership because we have journalists who often work on sensitivity topics that are related to central African countries » He added, « it is all about creating a bridge between the members of his organization and that of ADISI-Cameroon, training journalists and accompanying them in their everyday quest for information in order to make significant impact in the society. »
Through this partnership agreement, Journalists are expected to develop new qualities so far as investigative journalism is concerned as well as delivering quality reports.
« It is all about going beyond the national level and collaborating with other experts in the field of journalism ». Said Paul-Joël KAMTCHANG, the Executive Secretary of ADISI – Cameroon. He added « nowadays there are new tools that come into play and there’s need for journalists to know how to manipulate the data that come along with these new tools. Reason why it is vital for a subregional collaboration among experienced journalists from other countries. »
It is worth mentioning, the agreement involves pooling efforts to promote quality journalism, as both organizations commit to working together to train journalists in new approaches to journalism and to encourage investigative journalism. It also plans to support journalists in conducting cross-border investigations, in order to foster better collaboration among countries in the region.
Moment of exchange with journalists
That not withstanding, the initiative aims to raise awareness among the states about their commitments regarding access to information as a human right, this, as ADISI-Cameroon has been advocating for years for the defense of human rights, including access to information and freedom of expression. The organization therefore, calls for the reform of the law on access to information in Cameroon and the opening of data specifically in the basic social sectors.
According to the journalists who were present at the press conference, the partnership agreement between both institutions represents a significant step forward in promoting quality journalism in West and Central Africa. It will strengthen collaboration among journalists in the region, train journalists in new approaches to journalism, promote investigative journalism, and contribute to the better protection of journalists. An initiative which they say, is essential to ensure quality information and strengthen democracy in the region.
