7 November 2021 (Adama, Ethiopia): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Peace and Security Division concluded three days capacity building training on media reporting in conflict situations. The objective of the training was to enhance the knowledge and skills of media experts in conflict analysis and peace journalism in order to contribute to a more positive and constructive role of the media in peace building in the region. Officials from media regulating institutions and media practitioners of state and private medias from IGAD member states participated in the training workshop.
Hon. Siraj Fegessa, director of IGAD Peace and Security Division (PSD), in his opening remarks highlighted that “given the vulnerability of the IGAD region to conflict and instability, the relationship between the media and its impact on peace and stability should not be taken for granted, but rather critically examined in order to use the media most effectively for conflict prevention and peace-building”.
The main topic of the training workshop was concepts of conflict, conflict analysis, conflict transformation, role of media in conflict, contentious issues in media and conflict, impact of conflict on Media, conflict sensitivity and peace journalism, approaches and activities reporting in conflict situations and improving Media Practice in IGAD Region. Delegates of each member state have also presented their state’s media policy with regards to peace building.
