A three-day regional workshop focused on the legal protection of journalists covering environmental issues opened this Monday, June 8, 2026, in N’Djamena. The event is organized by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in partnership with the ministries of Communication and Environment.
The workshop brings together about twenty media professionals from Chad, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. It is part of the project “Defending and Protecting Environmental Journalism in the Sahel,” which aims to improve working conditions for journalists reporting on environmental topics.
The main goal is to enhance participants’ understanding of their rights, existing protection mechanisms, and ways to prevent professional risks, while fostering better cooperation among journalists, legal experts, and human rights organizations.
RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa project manager, Ndeye Diary Ba, explained that this initiative seeks to equip journalists with the skills needed to work in safer conditions.
“Participants will have the opportunity to discuss sensitive issues, review various national and regional legal frameworks, and strengthen their knowledge of digital security and risk management,” she stated.
Chad’s Minister of Communication and government spokesperson, Gassim Cherif Mahamat, who attended the workshop, commended the choice of Chad to host this regional meeting. He highlighted that Sahel countries face numerous challenges regarding journalist protection and press freedom.
“Media professionals play a vital role in raising public awareness about environmental issues, but they also need a framework that ensures their safety and protection. This training will provide participants with practical tools for risk analysis, understanding legal texts, and combating disinformation—skills that have become essential in modern journalism,” he said.
Over the three days, participants will share experiences and build their capacity to better inform the public about environmental challenges while working under safer conditions.
