By Awa D K Conteh
The interim country head of the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) has said that a strong media is not only beneficial for the public, but also for security institutions noting that engaging constructively with the media can add to their own legitimacy and that of security and justice providers.
Mr Pansaw Nyassi was speaking on Tuesday during a two-hour session to hand over a guidebook for journalists on security sector reform and governance at Action Aid International The Gambia (AAITG).
He highlighted the importance of the media noting that they play a very crucial role. He added that improvement in government-media relations represents an opportunity for the media to contribute directly to the security sector reform (SSR) process.
“The training guide aims to provide media professionals and civil society organizations with knowledge and basic skills in SSR and governance to enable them to play the crucial role they have in the transitional justice process effectively,” Mr Nyassi told journalists.
He noted that the guide will contribute to improve factual reporting, fostering properly informed public debate and enhance the media’s meaningful engagement with security sector institutions. It will also strengthen the non hostile and constructive relations between the media and security sector institutions.
“It seeks to contribute to meaningful SSR and greater accountability, leading to improved peace and security for the Gambia population. If the media takes part in this process, the reform will become more transparent, participatory and democratic,” Mr Nyassis asserted.
EU Ambassador Attila Lajos said transparency in the SSR is fundamentally important adding that by nature, security sector institutions have the tendency to perceive publicity, transparency and democratic control mechanisms as an intrusion in their decision making and effectiveness.
He admitted that some information may not be disclosed for reasons of national security which, he said, are often used as justification for a general lack of transparency and accessibility to democratic control.
The aim of DCAF’s support to the Gambian media, he said, is to enable active and meaningful participation in the SSR process. He said this was done through capacity building training and development of a guide on SSR for media professionals. He added that it will foster the development of in-depth knowledge and understanding of the role of the media in security sector governance and democratic oversight.
Representing Gambia Press Union (GPU), Mustapha Mbye explained that the role of the media is very crucial. He therefore urged journalists to be ethical in terms of reporting on SSR.
