Can you introduce the #AFFCameroon Fellowship to our readers?

The Africa Factchecking Fellowship – #AFFCameroon is a fact-checking training programme dedicated to content creators and civil society actors. It is a program of the #defyhatenow initiative led by r0g_agency for Open Culture and Critical Transformation, funded by the German Foreign Office. Launched in January 2020 dubbed #FactsMatter237, the quarterly training is implemented in Cameroon by a youth-led Organisation, Civic Watch. To date, we have had the opportunity to train over 150 journalists, bloggers, content creators, community leaders and digital rights activists. Fellows receive hands-on skills and knowledge in fact-checking techniques and methods, data journalism, online data collection and analysis. It should also be pointed out that we are taking advantage of this program to further equip the Fellows to effectively conduct online and offline awareness campaigns. So, we aim to provide all the necessary capacity-building, networking and available tools for them to work harder in detecting false information. They are also expected to organise and run media and information literacy initiatives at their levels.

For a program that aims to counter the proliferation of disinformation both online and offline, how would you assess the results achieved so far?

We have come a long way. It’s encouraging seeing that the number of people who are gaining awareness of the stakes of disinformation in a country like Cameroon is growing by the day. We are more or less satisfied because most of the Fellows we have trained today are working in reputable media houses. Others work with organisations that have a huge direct impact on the ground, as well as at national and international levels. And we’re delighted, especially as #defyhatenow had succeeded to gain a reputation as one of the key actors working on questions relating to disinformation. We see a vision that started timidly three years ago with 7 Fellows, grow in number and impact.

The Africa Factchecking Fellowship – #AFFCameroon, through its www.237check.org platform contributes significantly in the media and information literacy landscape in Cameroon. At the beginning of the Fellowship, we targeted journalists and bloggers, because they create content and have an audience that follows them religiously. Gradually we included online content creators of social media platforms, civil society actors because we realised they collect and share data, thus the need to learn how to select facts from what is fake. Our fellows have three main deliverables: producing factchecking report, mapping viral trends through social media health report and community outreach in the form of specialised meet-ups. 

The direct feedback we have received from Fellows is that they have improved the quality of their content, enhanced trust with their local communities and particularly, have been saved from professional mistakes and “trouble” thanks to their factchecking skills. Also, we see more and more people taking a personal commitment toward reducing fake news. We see this in the types of posts, comments or even interactions in whatsapp groups. We see people transforming from bystanders to community weavers, taking the responsibility to speak or react when they see any content that is not meant for good. We are also glad to see that as events around disinformation happen in Cameroon and abroad, most of the main actors are Fellows we have trained. In November 2023, we organised a National Conference on Disinformation in Yaounde, that brought together over 100 former Fellows, experts, public authorities, diplomatic missions and tech giants like Meta. 

Beyond Cameroon, we are actively participating in global discussions aimed at promoting factchecking practice. #defyhatenow’s factchecking platform, #237Check got admitted as a member of the pan-African Africa Fact Network, grouping over 70 organisations under Africa Check, the continent’s leading factchecking organisation. #AFFCameroon has also opened us to collaboration with the Africa Factchecking Alliance – AFCA through Code for Africa – CfA. This year, we equally ran a project on factchecking climate change and related issues sponsored by Meedan under the Check Global Funding, which gave our Fellows the opportunity to work on specialised themes. Through the invitations we continue to receive from other stakeholders, we are proud to see that the work we are doing is attracting interest from development partners. In April this year, the US Embassy in Yaounde organised a trip to the US on countering disinformation, with 10 journalists from different parts of Cameroon, among whom four #defyhatenow members. Thanks to the recommendation of Africa Check, we participated in CFI Media & Development two-day Global Conference on Disinformation that was held in Paris in July. For the second consecutive year, we have attended the Africa Facts Summit opening us to new avenues for collaboration at the level of the African continent. In addition to direct impact with selected people, we are working on developing online modules to help internet users gain skills on fostering peacebuilding individually. Our main working tool, the #defyhatenow Social Media Hatespeech Migitation Field Guide has an entire chapter dedicated to factchecking content shared on digital platforms. We also collaborate with a sister #defyhatenow project known as #211Check operating in South Sudan. Two other key projects are in gestation, which we believe will go a long way to reshape media and information literacy in Cameroon and beyond. These are our Early Warning Early Response platform and an online application providing real time information on happenings even in the remotest parts of the country. 

From the success stories above, one would feel running the Fellowship feels like lying on a bed of roses. Are there any difficulties, if yes, how does the team overcome them?

The difficulties we encounter in carrying out the program are two-folds: technical and functional. In Cameroon, as in most African countries, access to information is a real problem. So it’s difficult for these professionals to produce quality and timely factchecking articles. In some cases, where the information is available, the sources refuse to be quoted for reasons best known to them. As a result, we are obliged to abandon many topics, even after collecting data for a period of time. We also face difficulty linked to the media landscape of our country, especially the information production chain, research and analysis. Practising factchecking in such a context is difficult as factcheckers are perceived negatively by political actors, especially those who wield power. Sometimes, their work is considered a threat, when dealing with political issues. Some of our Fellows even because of factchecking and social media health reports they produced, which did not sound well with some people. 

The second obstacle we face in the implementation of this #AFFCameroon has more to do with ignorance of the subject matter. Fact-checking has been around for as long as journalism exists, but in Cameroon, the practice is still widely unknown. Indeed, journalists are always called upon to verify information before sharing it. However many journalists do not master the techniques and tools used for advanced search on the internet. So we need to start training these media professionals all over again, starting with the conceptual framework, introduction of online monitoring and data analysis, reporting, writing, etc. So far, it has not been easy getting the expected buying-in, particularly from the experienced ones. Deconstructing what they already know, while introducing them to new knowledge usually meets with hesitation and the process requires a longer period of time. However, we have an upcoming younger generation that is ever ready to learn. They easily adhere to the Fellowship principles and are easier to work with. But overall, where we succeed to have this intergenerational blend, we find very interesting results. We have just ended Cohort 8 and preparations for the next Cohort are in high gear. Surprisingly, after the badge comes and goes, we realise there is still a lot to learn, based on their peculiarities. The idea of obliging Fellows to work in groups has been one of our main strategies, owing to the fact that they develop leadership and networking skills, but also important because they are able to overcome differences while seeking the same results.

What is the relevance of having such a program, especially looking at the costly nature of funding such an activity? 
Cameroon today is at a crossroad and is hit by security threats from different parts of the country. In such a context, information is key! I say so because informed decisions need to be made in order to pursue the sustainable development of any country. In the absence of this, or by giving space to misinformation, disinformation and mal-information, all we will have is chaos. As observed today, we are still suffering from Boko Haram incursions in the Far North Region. We also see the Anglophone Crisis, entering its seventh year without any signs of ending. Following the results of the 2018 Presidential electoral process, we realised that elections could be major vectors of crisis in our country. #defyhatenow launched this training because we are in a country witnessing different types of crises, mostly fuelled disinformation and mal-information. This is our own contribution to not only deconstruct the negative perceptions we have of each other, but proposing solutions to further consolidate social cohesion. Through this Fellowship, we have been able to bring people together from different cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds. The reports we produce and publish on our www.237check.org platform serves as an information portal for decision makers. All our contents are free to use, provided we are credited properly.

So the #AFFCameroon has trained 150+ Fellows operating in eight out of 10 Regions of Cameroon. In what way will Cohort 9 be different? 

 It is relevant to always return to our basic and main task, which is information verification. We are not trying to choose what information to verify, or what information not to verify, because all information deserves to be verified if it has a potential impact on the community. The particularity of Cohort 8 was we were banking on opening up the practice of fact-checking to specialised fields. This means we’re not just going to check social and political news, but we also set ourselves the goal of equipping Fellows with the necessary knowledge to work on topics like climate change, elections, governance, health, arts and culture. With the political calendar of the next two years, with Cohort 9, we envisage focusing on factchecking elections. We need to start preparing people’s minds now on how to treat information that comes their way, in order to make informed decisions. It is our responsibility to contribute in every possible way to the development of our country. Our vision is to promote a sustainable society without hate, violence; one where each and every thrives and feels a sense of belonging. 

Interviewed by Nadine Bindey, Communication Intern

We are excited to announce that the Rainforest Center for Policy Research, Civic Watch Cameroon, and the r0g_agency  for open culture and critical transformation invite applications for the third Cohort of Conflict Sensitive Reporting training. This training is part of the #defyhatenow_Cameroon project. 

This training program is designed to provide journalists and bloggers with the necessary skills and knowledge to report on conflict issues responsibly and ethically, while also promoting peace and dialogue within their communities. The training program will cover a range of topics, including the principles and standards of conflict-sensitive journalism, the crucial role of media in conflict prevention and resolution, the various challenges and risks associated with reporting on conflict, and the best practices and tools for producing accurate, balanced, and constructive stories. Additionally, the training program will offer opportunities for networking and collaboration among journalists and bloggers from different regions and backgrounds. 

This training is available to practising journalists and bloggers interested in covering conflict-related topics in Cameroon. To be considered, applicants must possess at least two years of professional experience in journalism or blogging and demonstrate their commitment to ethical and responsible reporting. Fluency in English or French is required, as the training will be conducted in both languages. The online portion of the training will take place from September 25th to 29th, 2023, followed by an in-person training for selected participants from November 25th to 29th, 2023. The location for the in-person training will be communicated at a later time. 

The organisers will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and meals for the selected participants to the in-person training. 

To apply for the training, please complete the online application form by September 15^th, 2023.

The application form can be accessed through this link: https://forms.office.com/r/gZe8MuMNCs.

You will need to provide your personal details, professional background, motivation for attending the training, and two samples of your previous work on conflict issues. The selection committee will review the applications and notify the successful candidates by September 20^th, 2023.  

For more information about the training, please visit our website, www.rainforestcentre.org or contact us at info@rainforestcenter.org. 

Theophilous Ochang, Torit-based VoEES

In South Sudan, like in many other parts of the world, Facebook account attacks and scams have become persistent issues for journalists and media practitioners. These attacks pose significant threats to digital safety and data security, potentially compromising sensitive information and undermining trust in the media. The spread of misinformation and disinformation through hacked accounts also amplifies social and political tensions. 

Successfully mitigating these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes strong cybersecurity measures, regular training on digital hygiene and threat awareness, and fostering a culture of digital literacy among journalists and media professionals. Establishing channels for reporting and promptly addressing such attacks and scams is crucial in minimizing their impact and safeguarding the integrity of journalism in South Sudan.

Theophilous Ochang Andrew, an esteemed Media Practitioner at the Voice of Eastern Equatoria state-run radio station 97.5FM in Torit town, has successfully addressed a recurring issue of Facebook account hacking within his community. Previously, a lack of support was available for individuals affected by this problem.

Theophilous expressed gratitude for participating in the comprehensive online training program that expanded his knowledge in various areas. The training, particularly the Digital Safety and Data Security session held on July 26, 2023, enlightened him about proactive measures to assist his community, which had frequently fallen victim to cyber hackers. His newfound understanding motivated him to take action.

After attending the training session, Theophilous demonstrated the practical application of his learnings by assisting his colleague, Ongorok Pangarasio, whose Facebook account had been compromised a month prior. Utilizing his acquired expertise, Theophilous regained control of Ongorok’s account, returning it to its rightful owner. Presently, Ongorok enjoys uninterrupted access to his account, free from interference.

This experience has dramatically empowered Theophilous, fulfilling a personal aspiration of being able to aid communities vulnerable to online threats. With the knowledge he has gained, he is committed to continuing his efforts to safeguard communities against such risks. Taking proactive steps, Theophilous has already informed his extensive network of friends on Facebook, urging them not to remain silent if they encounter similar incidents. By sharing the link facebook.com/hacked, he ensures that individuals can access crucial information and resources to combat hacking attempts.

Theophilous’s dedication to digital security and his proactive approach to protecting his community exemplify his invaluable contribution. He is actively raising awareness and fostering a safer online environment for all through his actions.

Defyhatenow is working with IREX in implementing the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) to improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high-quality, independent and factual reporting. SIMA is grounded in the understanding that a vibrant, resilient, and self-reliant media sector is a core building block for greater inclusive social cohesion, accountability, enhanced democratic governance, conflict resolution, and more pluralistic societies. In designing an approach to bolster independent media amidst various obstacles, IREX and Defyhatenow launched a three-month journalists’ mentorship program targeting forty (40) content creators in South Sudan to equip them with skills and knowledge to combat disinformation, explicitly focusing on fact-checking and verification techniques.

Elizabeth Lodou | Courtesy Photo

Elizabeth Lodou, an accomplished broadcast journalist and Reporter at The Radio Community, embarked on a transformative journey as she joined our team as a trainee. Recognising the vital role she would play in combatting disinformation through media reporting, we were responsible for equipping her with the necessary skills to become an influential force in the fight against false information.

“I made sure I dedicated my time and energy to learning during the training to learn more because I can now tell the difference between misinformation,” Elizabeth Lodou, a broadcast journalist and a Reporter at Singaita FM 88.3.

This initiative holds immense promise, as its impact extends far beyond the confines of Kapoeta North. By empowering Elizabeth with the tools to counter the spread of disinformation, we are actively contributing to the nationwide effort to safeguard the truth. Misinformation and disinformation manifest in various forms, from fabricated news articles and manipulated visuals to sensationalised headlines and viral rumours. The craftiness employed by disseminators of false information has reached new heights, underscoring the urgency for us to possess the knowledge and aptitude to discern fact from fiction.

Through comprehensive training, Elizabeth has developed a profound understanding of the multifaceted nature of mis/disinformation. She now comprehends that any piece of information, whether received from the public or sourced from social media, necessitates rigorous verification before it can be shared with her listeners and the community at large. Scrutinising the source, contextualising claims, and corroborating facts with relevant authorities have become integral steps in her pursuit of disseminating accurate and well-founded information.

As Elizabeth emerges from this training, she can separate truth from falsehood and is responsible for delivering trustworthy information to her audience. Armed with a profound grasp of media literacy and fact-checking techniques, she is poised to serve as a reliable source of verified news, effectively countering the detrimental effects of disinformation.

The accomplishments of Elizabeth’s journey will resonate throughout the nation, reinforcing our collective commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, accuracy, and integrity in media reporting. By enabling her to champion the cause of truth, we are sowing the seeds of a more informed and resilient society.

More skills are needed to identify misinformation, and tools to verify it before publishing or reporting are becoming increasingly important for journalists and other media makers in South Sudan, like in many other countries. The spread of misinformation through social media platforms has grown exponentially, leading to potential harm, social unrest, and damage to public trust. In a context where reliable information is crucial for fostering peace, stability, and informed decision-making, media professionals face the challenge of navigating a digital landscape flooded with rumours, false narratives, and misleading content. Therefore, acquiring and honing skills to detect and verify misinformation and utilising appropriate fact-checking tools and techniques is crucial for ensuring accurate and responsible journalism in South Sudan. It empowers media practitioners to deliver reliable, trustworthy information to the public, contributing to an informed citizenry and a healthier media ecosystem.

Defyhatenow is working with IREX in implementing the Sustainable Independent Media Activity (SIMA) to improve access to credible, accurate, and reliable information for South Sudanese citizens by promoting the sustainability of high-quality, independent and factual reporting. SIMA is grounded in the understanding that a vibrant, resilient, and self-reliant media sector is a core building block for greater inclusive social cohesion, accountability, enhanced democratic governance, conflict resolution, and more pluralistic societies. In designing an approach to bolster independent media amidst various obstacles, IREX and Defyhatenow launched a three-month journalists’ mentorship program targeting forty (40) content creators in South Sudan to equip them with skills and knowledge to combat disinformation, explicitly focusing on fact-checking and verification techniques.

On May 3 every year, journalists around the globe commemorate World Press Freedom Day (#WPFD). Last year, the 2021 theme “Information as a Public Good” stressed on the necessity to ensure economic viability of news media, in the face of the ever-changing communications system. The advent of new digital media and social media has modernised news production, dissemination and reception processes, thus directly influencing the quality of new contents and their impact on our health, human rights, democracies and sustainable development. At the same time, the digital era has introduced an unprecedented spread of information, usually marked by a rise in the proliferation of mis/dis/malinformation. The rise of “citizen journalism” also raises the question of how media are adapting to evolving trends in the news production and consumption chain.

About 30 years after the institution of this day by the United Nations General Assembly in December 1993, journalism continues to play a major role in shaping narratives in todays’ society, the more reason why accessing ‘quality’ information remains capital. This year, the 2022 theme: “Journalism under Digital Siege”, further lays emphasis on the digital era’s impact on freedom of expression, the safety of journalists, access to information and privacy. It also seeks to address the threats posed by increased surveillance to press freedom and privacy.

World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) reminds governments of their commitments towards ensuring press freedom, ending impunity for crimes against journalists and ensuring their safety. It is equally an opportunity for media professionals to reflect about issues relating to their work, especially press freedom and professional ethics. 

Between 2020 and 2021, #defyhatenow through its #Media4Peace mandate engaged over 150 Journalists serving English-speaking audiences through nine Regional workshops and mentorship sessions on conflict-sensitive reporting. In addition to building the capacity of mainstream media actors, under the theme: “Catalysing Media for Peace and Justice in Cameroon;” a pidgin version of the project was developed in collaboration with members of the Association of Broadcasters in Pidgin English. In a bid to counter the spread of mis/disinfonrmation both online and offline, we have gladly trained 75 Fellowship under our quarterly Africa Factchecking Fellowship – #AFFCameroon, creating a critical mass of journalists, bloggers and civil society activists working as frontline actors in promoting #SafeDigitalSpaces for ALL internet users. 

Engaging media professional at regional levels

In a bid to foster #Media4Peace by mobilising mainstream and new digital media stakeholders towards contributing to peace processes through their work on a daily basis, #defyhatenow envisages a series of hybrid activities in different parts of the country. In Buea, South West Region, 30 journalists are gaining skills through a one-day training on media laws and ethics, led by the African Communication Center for Ethics and Standards (ACCES). Meanwhile, their peers under the canopy of the Cameroon Journalists Trade Union – CJTU will met in Bamenda, regional headquarters of the North West Region.

In line with our #Women4Peace mandate, #defyhatenow will equally mobilise women in media for a discussion session on journalism practice in Cameroon. Three leading Associations with 10 members each will meet in Yaounde on Friday May 6, for a fire-side chat on this year’s #WPFD and media related issues. They are Journalistes d’Action, Femmes de Coeur – JAFEC; Cameroon Association of Women in Media – AFMEC and Women in Communication – WIN. Later in the month, the over 300 members of the Cameroon Media Community Network (CCMN) in all 10 regions will participate in a virtual session co-organised with #defyhatenow, to address issues relating to journalism practice in Cameroon. The West Regional Chapter will close the month on the last week of May with a training session on promoting peacebuilding via community media to hold in Bafang, West Region. 

#WPFD2022 #Media4Peace #Women4Peace #HateFreeCameroon 

75 ! Il ne s’agit pas d’un chiffre anniversaire. Ce chiffre représente plutôt le nombre de jeunes (journalistes, blogueurs, acteurs de la société civile…) que #defyhatenow a officiellement engagés dans la lutte contre la mésinformation, la désinformation et la mal-information en ligne et hors ligne au Cameroun. Au fur et à mesure que la bourse gagne en maturité, une nouvelle touche a été appliquée : le processus  de sélection se fait désormais au niveau régional.  Comme la nature l’exige, cette innovation commence par le grand nord du pays et descendra par la suite vers le grand sud. Cette ci, les régions de l’Adamaoua, du Nord et de l’Extrême-Nord sont les heureux bénéficiaires ! 

Après cinq cohortes successives formées entre janvier 2020 et janvier 2022, nous sommes heureux de vous présenter les 15 nouveaux Boursiers qui ont rejoignent notre communauté de la lutte contre la désinformation. Sur plus de 100 postulants, 6 femmes et 9 hommes journalistes et acteurs de la société civile sont les nouveaux visages de #AFFCameroon. Il s’agit de : Baimélé Jerôme, Swaboka Felix, Adiang Loris-Clet, Ngoh Kum Peter, Sintebe Rebeka, Judith Lassou Tchouyiki, Fadimatou Boubakary et Dikwe Fodambele, tous journalistes basés à Garoua, chef-lieu de la région du Nord. Deux acteurs de la société civile travaillant sur la promotion de la paix, les programmes d’éducation à l’information et aux médias dont Taiwe Parfait et Rougayatou Inna Fatoumata basés à Ngaoundéré ;  ainsi que trois journalistes à savoir : Pouorgounal Madouli Junie Adélaîde, Waji Kiga Elis et Ibrahim Zaoro représentent la région de l’Adamaoua. La région de l’Extrême-Nord compte deux journalistes, Hinsia Nikodemus et Dorcas Ekupe, basés à Maroua.

A date, nous comptons  60 professionnels qui ont bénéficié de cette Bourse. Il s’agit des créateurs de contenu en ligne, parmi lesquels des blogueurs, des journalistes et des activistes des droits numériques. Ils sont basés et opèrent dans différentes régions du Cameroun dont le Sud-Ouest, le Nord-Ouest, le Littoral, le Centre, l’Adamaoua, l’Extrême-Nord et l’Ouest. Cette nouvelle Cohorte porte le nombre total de Boursiers formés à 75. Par le passé, les boursiers de différentes régions du pays se retrouvaient dans une ville choisie pour les sessions en présentiel. La  6ème Cohorte cherche donc à regrouper ces acteurs de la chaîne de production de l’information au niveau régional, pour fédérer leurs compétences respectives autour de la lutte contre les maux sociaux qui leur sont propres. Cette session trimestrielle est baptisée « Spécial Grand Nord. »

La Bourse pour la vérification des faits en Afrique – #AFFCameroon a été conçue pour répertorier et analyser les tendances virales sur les médias sociaux liées à des questions thématiques majeures au Cameroun. Elle vise également à transformer les boursiers en des futurs formateurs afin d’assurer un transfert continu des compétences acquises. L’objectif principal est de créer une masse de fact-checkers, engagés dans la lutte contre la désinformation, les discours de haine sur l’espace en ligne et hors ligne, ainsi que de soutenir le travail des défenseurs des droits numériques contribuant aux processus de paix au Cameroun. #AFFCameroon vise donc la production de contenu de qualité et vérifié, tout en freinant la propagation des fake-news dans l’espace numérique en Afrique. Pour en savoir plus sur les précédentes cohortes (1, 2, 3, 4 et 5), veuillez suivre le lien vers notre site web.