N’Djamena hosts regional workshop to strengthen legal protection for environmental journalists

A three-day regional workshop dedicated to the legal protection of journalists covering environmental issues opened this Monday, June 8, 2026, in N’Djamena. The event is organized by an international press freedom organization in collaboration with the ministries of Communication and Environment.

The gathering brings together around twenty media professionals from Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It is part of the “Defend and Protect Environmental Journalism in the Sahel” project, which aims to improve working conditions for journalists reporting on environmental matters.

The primary goal is to strengthen participants’ knowledge of their rights, existing protection mechanisms, and ways to prevent professional risks, while fostering better cooperation among journalists, legal experts, and human rights advocacy groups.

The project manager for sub-Saharan Africa of the organizing body, Ndeye Diary Ba, explained that the initiative aims to equip journalists with the skills needed to practice their profession under better conditions.

“Participants will have the opportunity to discuss sensitive topics, examine various national and regional legal frameworks, and enhance their knowledge of digital security and risk management,” she stated.

Also present at the workshop, the Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Gassim Cherif Mahamat, praised Chad’s selection to host this regional meeting. He recalled that Sahel countries face numerous challenges regarding journalist protection and press freedom.

“Media professionals have an essential role in raising public awareness about environmental issues, but they must also benefit from a framework that guarantees safety and protection. This training will allow participants to acquire practical tools for risk analysis, understanding legal texts, and combating disinformation—aspects that have become indispensable in modern journalism,” he said.

Over the three days, participants will share experiences and build capacity to better inform the public about environmental challenges while practicing their profession under safer conditions.