Forging a path to democracy in Malawi

One of the most gratifying experiences for a media trainer is to see excited participants hold their hands up to ask or answer a question or give an example

Editorial by Derek Quinn

Journalists everywhere want to tell people about events and decisions, to tell the truth without fear. They want citizens to be informed enough to make their own decisions. For three intensive days in Lilongwe, Malawi in mid-September 2011, between 25 and 30 participants actively took part in media training, conflict-resolution techniques and lively discussion organised by International Media Support.

This need to communicate freely is the right of every citizen in a democracy. Too often, authorities block freedom of expression. They perceive the people as a threat, not a group to be served so much as ignored and at times violently suppressed. This is no different in Malawi.

When the people of Malawi gathered throughout the country to ask their government why prices were rising in a poor economy, why students were barred from attending university on the basis of where they came from, and why foreign relations had deteriorated, they were asking only that their democratically-elected government be accountable.

However, on 20 July, police opened fire on peaceful marchers, killing 19 and injuring several others. Police also beat up six journalists.

Many of the participants who took part in the media training reported on the marches. Many were still in disbelief, “Why fire on innocent people?” “What did we do?” were typical comments as we discussed conflict and how to reduce it.

However, journalists with the best of intentions can unknowingly contribute to conflict due to nothing more than lack of experience. They might focus on a society’s power brokers and not include ordinary people in their reports. They might unwittingly take sides in a report.

After questions, debates and class exercises, workshop participants now know how to write reports that not only inform but also mediate a better path to democracy.

Derek Quinn who conducted the training in Malawi is an experienced media trainer with 35 years of experience in international broadcasting, conflict-resolution and foreign relations.