“I am a journalist and I am not afraid to denounce corruption in my country.” These words spoken by Guinean journalist Jean Pierre Ouendeno, would have been unthinkable just a few years ago when corruption in government was considered a taboo topic for the media. Today, corruption is a hot issue in the Guinean press, and USAID through its project Faisons Ensemble, is playing a cutting edge role in training journalists to report it.

During a three-day USAID-funded workshop held in Conakry between August 20 and 22, over a hundred journalists from all over Guinea gathered to reinforce their skills on anti-corruption reporting, communication strategies, and investigations techniques. The workshop “Journalists against Corruption,” also covered effective reporting approaches tailored to print, radio and TV media.
Guinea was rated in 2007 on Transparency International Perception index 168 out of 179 and in 2006 160 out of 163.

Journalists who participated in the workshop agreed that corruption is a serious problem in Guinea, one that is largely blamed for the country’s poverty and poor economic performance despite its abundance of natural resources. They also felt the press has an obligation to investigate and report corruption to the public. During the workshop journalists eagerly discussed techniques and approaches in reporting on corruption and its crippling effect on the country.

USAID supports the Guinean press in its watchdog role and considers it to be a critical partner in promoting development and economic growth in Guinea. “Thanks to the press, citizens can denounce bad governance,” said USAID representative Steven Edminster. He urged reporters to investigate and report cases of corruption brought to their attention by their readers.

In addressing the journalists, USAID Guinea Director Cliff Brown stressed the qualities of perseverance and determination in going after corruption. “The members of the press need courage and exceptional skills against corruption. Only with this will you help your country and your people”.

The workshop repeatedly stressed the need for intellectual courage in successfully challenging previous taboos and reporting on corruption. A constant theme was the duty of the press to inform the public about corruption, and the right of the public to call for change and accountability.

“After attending this workshop I have clearer ideas on how to fight this harm that prevents Guinea from evolving,” said one journalist.

USAID considers the workshop as a steppingstone toward promoting transparency and credibility as pillars of good governance. Journalists felt the next step should be to strengthen the Guinean legal system so that the courts can address corruption issues brought to the public’s attention by a vigorous press. As things currently stand in Guinea, cases of corruption rarely get prosecuted.

“At this workshop we were free to share ideas and propose solutions,” said one enthusiastic participant. “Our next goal is to put into practice what we have learned.”