US Embassy-CAMASEJ Investigative Journalism Workshop Equips Journalists For Task Ahead


Family Photo Taken At The Workshop In Douala 


By Raymond Dingana 

A two-day workshop on Investigative Journalism was recently held in Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon. The workshop, organized by the United States Embassy in Cameroon and the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ), aimed to strengthen the skills of  journalists practicing in the country. 

Participants expressed their readiness to delve deeper into investigative reporting and deliver better stories after acquiring new knowledge and skills.

The workshop brought together journalists from various regions of Cameroon, including the North West, South West, Center, Littoral, South, and West. Renowned experts in the field, such as Franklin Sone Bayen, Prof Rosemary Shafack, Pierre Le Grand Nka, Armelle Sitchoma, and Amindeh Blaise Atabong, shared their insights and expertise with the participants.

Bamba Séne, Professional Associate At The United States Embassy in Cameroon

Bamba Séne, a Professional Associate at the United States Embassy in Cameroon, emphasized the US government's commitment to establishing a free and strong press.

 He highlighted the workshop as a testament to this commitment and expressed the embassy's dedication to providing journalists with the skills and experience necessary to strengthen their investigative reporting.

"The US government through it's embassy here in Cameroon is committed to establish a free and strong press, and today this workshop is a testimony to that commitment,"

 said Bamba Séne.He continues:

"we are here thanks to CAMASEJ to provide journalists the skills and experience to strengthen the skills that they need to refresh their investigative reporting efficiency "

Jude Viban, the National President of CAMASEJ, stated that one of the association's objectives is to enhance the capacities of journalists in Cameroon. He emphasized their interest in uncovering compelling stories, shedding light on hidden issues, and holding those in power accountable.

"We are very much interested in how to uncover those stories, how to shine the lights in those dark spots, and how to hold power and the society accountable,"

said Jude Viban.


Jude Viban, National President, CAMASEJ 

Additionally, Viban mentioned a Story Pitching competition, through which participants can pitch their investigative story ideas for a chance to receive grants to pursue their stories.

Journalists Poised to Step Up Investigative Reporting

Participants, such as Nalova Mambeh Akua,and Nde Vanessa, expressed their enthusiasm for embracing the principles of investigative journalism. They acknowledged the workshop's role in expanding their knowledge and providing them with new perspectives. 

Nalova Mambeh Akua, Award Winning Journalist,And Workshop Participant 

Nalova highlighted the workshop's impact on generating potential investigative story ideas. Read him:

The different thematics of the workshop(including investigative journalism basics, using open sources, fact-checking & countering disinformation and propaganda as well as data journalism in investigative journalism) have helped me not only revise and revisit my notes on investigative journalism, but more importantly, made me discover new realms of practice especially from those who have distinguished themselves in the field. I mean, the workshop has opened my mind to new horizons to generate potential investigative story ideas. I don't regret attending this investigative journalism masterclass at all."

Nde Vanessa Receiving Her Certificate Of Participation From CAMASEJ President 

On her part, Nde Vanessa acknowledged the challenges of funding but remained motivated to pursue deeper and better reporting.

"The workshop was one in a million where the best of experts gave us the intricacies of Investigative Journalism. I'm more than ever motivated to dig stories deeper and not wait for the go ahead.However like most Journalists in Cameroon, we lack funding to go the extra mile.When opportunity meets preparation,the success is loud. I believe most of us have been prepared for the task ahead."


Key Topics At The US -CAMASEJ Investigative Reporting In Douala 

The workshop covered various aspects of investigative journalism. Franklin Sone Bayen introduced participants to investigative journalism basics and emphasized the code of "Covering to Uncover Cover-up (C2uCCu = IJ)" which he describes as Sone Bayen's code for investigative reporting.  

Franklin Sone Bayen Brandishing His Certificate Of Participation 

Other topics included data journalism, ethics in investigative journalism by Sone Bayen, information sourcing, and investigative journalism by Prof. Rosemary Shafack fact-checking, countering disinformation and propaganda, by Armelle Sitchoma how to write good story pitches by Amindeh Blaise Atabong, and The field of investigative journalism, Journalism with the aid of computers, advantages and disadvantages by Pierre Le Grand Nka.

Prof Rosemary Shafack Talking On Using Open Sources In Investigative Journalism


Armile Sitchoma Talking On Fact Checking & Countering Disinformation and Propaganda 


Amindeh Blaise Atabong Schooling Participants On Story Pitching 


Pierre Le Grand Nka On Journalism with the aid of computers, advantages and disadvantages


               Impact on National Elections:

The workshop's timing coincided with upcoming national elections, where the spread of fake news is expected to increase. Journalists who participated in the workshop are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to investigate such stories and provide the population with authentic and accurate information.




The Investigative Journalism workshop organized by the US Embassy in Cameroon and CAMASEJ has successfully empowered Cameroonian journalists with enhanced investigative reporting skills. 

The participants expressed their readiness to dig deeper and report better, demonstrating their commitment to providing the public with reliable and impactful stories.

With the upcoming national elections, the workshop's impact is expected to contribute to countering the spread of fake news and ensuring the dissemination of accurate information to the public.

At the end of the workshop, the organizers awarded Certificates of Participation to the journalists.

Participants Brandishing Their Certificates



Frederick Takang Of BBC Afrique Receiving His Certificate 


Toh Clinton Of Dream FM Radio Bamenda Receiving His Certificate 



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