Promoting peace through ethical journalism

Decreasing intercommunity tensions through inclusive and representative media in Mauritania

Who are we?

Cordoba Peace Institute – Geneva (CPI) is an independent non-profit organisation working on peace promotion. We focus on tensions and polarisations in all societies where Muslims live, and aim to enhance theoretical and practical conflict transformation resources in Muslim majority countries. Founded in 2002, we promote a methodology of conflict transformation adapted to and accepted by local peace actors, parties to conflict and communities. With 20 years of experience, CPI is well-established in Geneva, Switzerland, and has developed unique access and networks in the Muslim-majority world. Our multi-cultural, diverse team of dedicated professionals has enabled us to build relations in both the Western policy and Muslim-majority worlds, guided by our core values of Non-violence, Inclusiveness, Impartiality, Empathy and Independence. CPI has Special Consultative Status with the United Nations.

Context

A regime of strict media control is active in Mauritania, which means that some constituencies are consistently excluded from media activities, leading to increased tensions between communities. Therefore, exclusion and discrimination in the media crystallizes, embodies and heightens the existing tensions between communities in Mauritania.

In December 2015, CPI’s local partners established the “Diversity and Citizenship Space” (EDC), a body of elected members which works closely with the Committee for Solidarity with Victims of Human Rights Violations (CSVVDH). The EDC has a mandate is to propose thematic projects dealing with issues that undermine cohesion and understanding between among Mauritanians (slavery, humanitarian liability, languages, social and religious affairs, political participation and equality, etc.), in consultation with the CSVVDH

The project

Our project proposes training of journalists on topics related to social cohesion, understanding and citizenship. It provides support for the publication of articles, the production and broadcasting of programs, the organization of debates, and the promotion and animation of interactive time slots for popularization of thematic topics. Radio, television, newspapers, electronic sites, blogs and other media will be involved.

Goals

This project aims to attenuate tensions between different Mauritanian communities (especially the Moors and Afro-Mauritanians), to strengthen intercommunity links and to contribute to a more inclusive and peaceful society.

Approach and methodology

This project will offer thorough training in conflict transformation, and accurate and responsible journalism for Mauritanian journalists from different communities. Moreover, it will facilitate the production of new journalistic content resulting from the collaboration between journalists from the different communities and its diffusion into the Mauritanian media sphere.

This mechanism will open up the Mauritanian media landscape through production that will contribute to dialogue, diversity and peaceful cohabitation between communities.

Expected results

• The question of cohabitation and social cohesion will be placed at the center of the socio-cultural debate in Mauritania in order to stimulate a deeper discussion that will help to find consensual solutions, through diverse approaches, in particular through conflict transformation.

• Professional skills of journalists in the field will be enhanced through training and interactive exchange.

• Journalists will acquire methods and tools allowing them to contribute to a unifying discourse within Mauritanian society.

• Civil society will participate actively and interactively in the project.

• Youth from all communities will be engaged through attractive media products and with appropriate support and will be familiar with ideas and notions that will be communicated on specific themes.