Fifteen journalists and whistleblowers from across Africa have successfully completed a five-day intensive security and risk management training aimed at strengthening their safety and preparedness in high-risk reporting environments.
The programme, organised by the Whistleblowers and Journalist Safety International Center, provided participants with practical skills essential for operating in challenging and often dangerous conditions. Key areas covered included risk assessment and pre-deployment planning, personal and travel security, situational awareness, casualty assessment, and emergency response techniques.
Participants were also trained in unconscious casualty and airway management, information and communications security, crowd management, basic self-defence for escape, bleeding control—including response to ballistic injuries—and anti-surveillance strategies.
At the end of the training, certificates were awarded by expert facilitators from Lazarus Training UK, recognising the participants’ successful completion of the course.
Some participants who spoke after the programme expressed renewed confidence in their ability to carry out their work safely. They noted that the training had equipped them with critical tools to navigate threats commonly faced in their line of duty.
They also called for more such initiatives, stressing that journalists and whistleblowers across the continent continue to face significant risks and require ongoing support to enhance their safety.
Organisers said the initiative reflects growing awareness of the need to protect media practitioners and whistleblowers, particularly in regions where press freedom is under pressure. They emphasised that empowering such individuals with the right skills contributes to building a safer and more resilient media landscape across Africa.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Iddrisu Kassim
