Journalists meet Central African refugees

A training programme is being held for journalists from CAR, Chad and Cameroon in Bertoua, capital of the Eastern Region since May 22, 2015 on working in the framework of the Network of Central African border radios for the promotion of peace, development and essential family practices (Rertac).

The journalists conducted on May 24, a working visit to the camp of CAR refugees in Gado Badzéré-by-Boulai Garoua, one of the largest in Central Africa with more than 26,000 CAR refugees.

On the agenda of this visit is interaction with refugee populations on issues of common interest relating to social peace, peaceful coexistence, life in community, families living in good practices and hygiene.

For about three hours of exchanges, these populations bruised but comforted from their stay in Cameroon, spoke to reporters about their pain and suffering. The refugees recognized that the Government of the Republic of Cameroon, with the multifaceted support of the institutions of the United Nations and other partners, have placed a lot of effort in their favour by reducing their daily pain and suffering.

It is in this context that the visitors have made radio clips on sensitive topics, particularly with respect to peace, good essential family practices and community development. The purpose of these achievements is to have living testimonies of refugees on these topics.

Amadou Bello, Director of Corporate Affairs at the Ministry of Communication, then spoke on behalf of the Minister of Communication Issa Tchiroma Bakary, the government's satisfaction with partners, and inviting the Central African refugees to peaceful cohabitation.

The journalists from the three countries were asked to serve as a relay of information and apostles of peace and good cause in the Central African area, where these community radios are listened to on both sides of the various borders. His wish is that these stories broadcast on the ground serve as an vehicle for the promotion of lasting peace in Central Africa.

The visit of the 50 journalists ends Wednesday, May 27, 2015.