African journalists tackle key issues in Europe workshop

A training and networking workshop for African journalists in Berlin, Germany, and Brussels, Belgium, put to light the need for crucial discussions on migration and other pertinent issues.

Organised by taz Panter Stiftung with funding from the German Federal Foreign Office, the workshop aimed to foster dialogue and understanding between African and Europe under the theme “Reconnecting – African-European Perspectives”.

Selected from a competitive pool of over 600 applications across Africa, 16 participants from Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were chosen to participate.

Over the course of online meetings held from June to December 2023, they engaged in discussions covering a range of topics including the war in Ukraine, climate change, and food security with migration being the most debated.

As part of their culminating project, participants collaborated to produce a magazine, which they formally launched at the taz Panter offices in Berlin. This initiative provided them with a platform to amplify their voices and share insights gained throughout the workshop.

In addition to their collaborative efforts, participants had the opportunity to gain firsthand experiences through visits to significant institutions. They toured the German Bundestag, delving into its rich history, and engaged in discussions at the European Union Parliament, where they interacted with MEPs including Udo Bullman and Erik Marquardt.

While at the Rosa Luxemburg office in Brussels, participants met Evelien van Roemburg, Head of Office at Oxfam EU including former sea rescue captain and EU elections candidate Carola Rackete.

During these sessions, participants delved into the complexities of the migration crisis, exchanging perspectives and exploring potential solutions. Among the proposals put forth was the suggestion to streamline migration laws within the EU to facilitate legal pathways for individuals seeking entry into member countries.