A way forward for Côte d’Ivoire’s post-conflict media
Representatives from Côte d’Ivoire’s main media organisations met recently in Accra to discuss the next steps for the support of the country’s post-conflict, partisan media
By Michelle Betz, IMS
The armed conflict following Côte d’Ivoire’s presidential elections in 2010, has rendered the working conditions of Ivorian journalists very difficult. Hosted by IMS and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), a meeting with Ivorian media organisations was set up to discuss these challenges and how to address them.
The main issues identified at the meeting included safety of journalists. Zio Moussa, president of the media observatory body in Côte d’Ivoire, said he was not convinced that the security situation had improved since the conflict ended in April.
Media organisations caught in a crossfire
The conflict broke out after Alassaine Ouattara won international recognition in November 2010 as the formally elected leader of Cote d’Ivoire but Laurent Gbagbo refused to step down from the presidency which he had held since 2000. Media expert Kwame Karikari from MFWA said earlier this year that the Ivorian media organisations were caught in a violent crossfire, being attacked by supporters of the two main political figures.
It is estimated that at least a dozen Ivorian journalists fled Côte d’Ivoire to Ghana and Liberia during the conflict. Although the conflict has now ended, the situation remains volatile and the fact that many journalists remain in exile or in hiding highlights the importance of the meeting in Accra.
Moving forward
With private radio stations not being permitted to broadcast news and current affairs, and newspaper vendors and distributors under attack, there are very few outlets for Ivorians to receive accurate or neutral information about domestic affairs. This is also hampered by the media outlets’ lack of independence, including that of the state broadcaster, as highlighted at the meeting.
Also raised were issues concerning professionalism and solidarity within the media community and the media’s role in peace building and reconciliation. In addition to this Mam Camara of the Ivorian journalists’ union called for direct support to media houses that were torched or looted during the conflict.
A short-term strategy was outlined to move forward, focusing on freedom of expression advocacy work, training on ethics and elections and a forum bringing together journalists to draw lessons from the crisis and to promote reconciliation. Media Foundation for West Africa and International Media Support will now jointly proceed with the strategy and also assist with fundraising.
Media Foundation for West Africa works with IMS to promote media development in Cote d’Ivoire and other African countries. Along with providing a safe haven for Ivorian journalists, the partnership work promotes investigative journalism and a professional network connecting West African journalists with media partners around the world.
