Since 2017, Benevolencija has been working with a network of journalists in several corners of the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and in Ituri. This is within the framework of the "Media for Dialogue" M4D project. "Journalists have a major role to play in countering hate speech and promoting peaceful cohabitation between different communities in the Great Lakes region. Hence the need to hold this training session," said Johan Deflander, the regional coordinator of this project

According to facilitator Eliane Polepole, from the city of Bukavu, journalists must properly prepare their public or ordinary debate broadcasts so that objectives are achieved. She calls on journalists corresponding to Benevolencija to be attentive during the production of these debates in order to redirect any guest who could go off track.

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"A journalist who masters his subject well cannot allow a speaker to launch hateful words in a debate. He is the master of the debate and must ensure control to avoid any slip-up," she continues.

It should be noted that a cross-border exchange framework was organized by Benevolencija Great Lakes on Wednesday, June 15 in the city of Uvira. Journalists, bloggers and civil society actors are called upon to play their role in countering the spread of hate speech.

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Joséphine Mungubi