By Boris Esono Nwenfor
YAOUNDE, Cameroon – In the heart of Central Africa, where press freedom often hangs in the balance, think tanks are emerging as a powerful allies in the fight for independent journalism. The region, with its complex political landscape and challenges to media freedom, is increasingly witnessing the intervention of think tanks which are shaping the region’s democratic process.
Following the second edition of the Central Africa Think Tank Forum organized by the Nkafu Policy Institute, a think tank of the Denis and Lenora Foretia Foundation, think tanks across the Central Africa subregion were highlighted for the indelible role they play in the democratic process in the region.
“Think tanks can help in the advocacy drive and lobbying for an enabling environment for the journalists to operate in both in Cameroon and across the central Africa sub-region. The journalism space is challenging and journalists need capacity building especially on the aspect of fact-checking,” said Baiye Frida Ebai, Chair (Cameroon)-ASIS International & Women in Security, Peacebuilding Coordinator for BAWAC Cameroon.
“There is also a need for cross-cutting collaboration between the media and think tanks as media organizations help in the dissemination of materials and policy papers that are carried out by think tanks.”
The 2nd edition of the Central Africa Think Tank Forum which ran from August 21 – 22, 2024 was under the theme: “Empowering independent voices in the Central African Region.” The Central Africa Think Tank forum provided a platform to harness and amplify independent voices for policy change, actionable reforms and positive development of the Central African Region.
Think tanks across Central Africa subregion offer training, and a platform for dialogue that empowers journalists to tackle complex issues, such as corruption, human rights and governance. By providing access to credible data and expert analysis, think tanks can help journalists produce well-researched, impactful stories that hold power to account and also inform the public.
In a region where press freedom is often curtailed by the government in place, think tanks play a vital role in advocating for the rights of journalists. They engage in policy advocacy, pushing for reforms that protect media practitioners from harassment, censorship, and legal challenges. These efforts are pertinent, especially in countries like Cameroon, where the media is frequently targeted by both state and non-state actors.
“Journalists need to empower themselves because the government will not do that. The ball is in the court of journalists across the subregion,” Professor Kingsley Ngange, Deputy Vice-Chancellor in charge of Research and Cooperation with the Business World, at the University of Buea said.
“Journalists are also their problem. They have the power to change the media 1990 media law but are not doing enough in that regard. Journalists are regarded as the fourth estate because they hold the other powers accountable but this power is not always a given.”
Despite their significant contributions, think tanks across the Central African subregion face numerous challenges. Limited funding and political interference hinder their impact. With the growing recognition, however, the role of supporting independent journalism is a positive sign.
As Cameroon and its Central African neighbours continue to navigate the complexities of democracy, the partnership between think tanks and independent journalism will be crucial. In a region where the free flow of information is often stifled, think tanks stand as champions of the cause of independent journalism. Their role as a catalyst for democratic change in Central Africa becomes even more important.
