Training  for 39 Journalists on communication management opens

By Adama Makasuba

Two days Training for 39 Gambian journalists   on communication management opened on Monday Kairaba Beach Hotel.

The training, aims to build the understanding of the journalist’s on the ongoing Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission

The training organized by Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission in partnership with Gambia Press Union, brought together journalist-participants from the electronic, print media and online news outlets in and out of the country.

And is been implemented by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance.

Meanwhile, Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission in partnership with the Ministry of Just last year held similar trainingfor journalists on transitional justice process.

Speaking during the opening ceremony, Communication Officer of TRRC, Essa Jallow described the role of media as important.

He urged participants to take the training with seriousness and commitment in order to gain benefit out of it in delivering their mandate.

Maurice Enguelegue, senior program officer said: “the objective of the meeting is to continue to enhance the skills and capacity in peaceful conflict sensitive coverage.”

However, journalist on the training complaint of difficulty in accessing serious of issues ranging from inadequate information from the Truth Reconciliation and Reparation Commission.

The journalists also demanded to be allocated a designated press gallery as they compliant of not being allocated such gallery.

But the Commission’s officials denied the journalist’s complaint, saying there is designated gallery for the press but at times only few journalists could be seen covering the Commission’s hearings.

This also broke a hit debate between journalist-participants and officials from Truth Commission.

However, training continues and finishes on Tuesday.