N’Djamena — Journalists from across the Sahel gathered in N’Djamena to tackle a pressing issue: safeguarding those who report on environmental crises in high-risk regions.

A regional workshop convened on June 8, 2026, at the Centre d’Études et de Formation pour le Développement (CEFOD), bringing together nearly two dozen media professionals from Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Chad. The event, organized to empower journalists covering environmental issues, focused on equipping them with legal safeguards and practical tools to navigate threats in their line of work.

Government backing for press freedom

The opening ceremony was led by Gassim Chérif Mahamat, Chad’s Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson. In his address, he underscored the critical role of journalism in raising public awareness about environmental challenges and called for stronger protections to ensure reporters can operate without fear.

Discussions during the workshop centered on legal protections, digital and physical safety, and the unique challenges faced by environmental journalists in the Sahel. Participants engaged in peer-to-peer exchanges, drawing on experiences from their respective countries to identify common solutions.

Climate change and resource scarcity fuel demand for action

According to Ndeye Diary Ba, RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa Project Manager, the need for such an initiative has never been more urgent. Environmental journalists in the Sahel operate in a region grappling with climate change impacts, dwindling natural resources, and escalating insecurity. Their work—critical for informing communities about sensitive issues—demands urgent safeguards to ensure their safety and independence.

The multi-day workshop concluded with draft recommendations aimed at reinforcing legal protections for environmental journalists and fostering a more supportive legal framework across Sahel nations.