More than 40 journalists and influencers from the departments of Tambacounda, Goudiry and Koumpentoum are taking part, from 26 to 28 October, in a training workshop organised by the Timbuktu Institute as part of the SENRésilience II project.

Faced with the risks posed by disinformation and violent extremism, the Timbuktu Institute is focusing on building the capacity of media professionals and social media actors. Launched on Monday 26 October in Tambacounda, the three-day training aims to strengthen their contribution to preventing tensions and building community resilience.

“This training […] aims to strengthen the capacity of media actors and media organisations, including influencers and those who are very active on social media today,” explains Bakary Sambe, President of the Timbuktu Institute.

More than 16 sessions are planned on topics such as the handling of sensitive information, conflict-sensitive journalism, information warfare, the dynamics of violent extremism and journalistic ethics.

Through this initiative, the organisers also hope to strengthen relations between the media, the authorities and the defence and security forces. The aim is to promote access to reliable, verified information in order to curb the spread of fake news and prevent sensitive content from fuelling social tensions.

At the end of the workshop, the Timbuktu Institute hopes to consolidate a lasting partnership with media actors in the eastern region and to strengthen their commitment to human security and social cohesion.

Source : Le soleil