A veteran journalist with years of experience in the field of journalism, Abdul Hassan Fakie, has offered mentorship to upcoming journalists in Sierra Leone, advising them not to try to be a hero on the field of duty.
Abdul said: “Always try to be safe. If the going gets threatening and you are in danger, retreat. You can always come back another day. A run away Journalist is better than a dead one”.
He said journalists can be prime targets when reporting in conflict zones, noting that by relaying critical information on the ground, and by revealing stories of atrocities and war crimes, journalists can be at risk by those who want the facts of the conflict hidden.
Mr. Fakie said: “During conflict, the truth is the first casualty. It is a very real possibility that journalists can go missing, be detained, or lose their lives while reporting on conflict. Some journalists are at an even higher risk because of their identity, such as gender or ethnicity, in a given conflict zone. It is important that journalists safeguard their physical, digital and mental wellbeing”.
Journalists should always wear protective equipment. They should be aware of the weapons being used around them, and develop an escape plan for areas where they are reporting.
First aid training and a basic understanding of map reading can also be helpful. Reporters should also take care not to reveal their location to individuals or groups they don’t trust. Never risk yourself for the story.
In conflict zones, safety can be a daily struggle. Local reporters, regardless of work experience, especially can face hostile environments even in their own hometowns due to a lack of impunity. Having a local network, such as fellow journalists, community members, translators, and security experts, is a helpful way to improve safety.
