Promoting responsible journalism to prevent hatred and build peace in the Great Lakes region

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Reporting accurately, giving a voice to diverse perspectives and opening up avenues for dialogue.

Girubuntu Peace Media (GPM) is a regional initiative that brings together young journalists from Burundi, Rwanda and eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to put the media at the service of peace, reconciliation and social cohesion.

In a region represented by violence and the legacy of conflict, disinformation and hate speech can exacerbate divisions. Faced with these challenges, GPM promotes verified, independent reporting that respects human dignity. Its approach combines peace journalism with solutions-based journalism: understanding conflicts, reporting on their complexity and documenting the concrete responses provided by communities.

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Our mission

To strengthen the skills of young journalists and foster their cross-border cooperation in order to produce content that promotes mutual understanding, prevents hatred and highlights local peace initiatives.

Inspired by the values of Ubuntu, solidarity and living together, Girubuntu Peace Media encourages an open regional identity that respects the cultural and linguistic diversity of the Great Lakes region.

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Our activities

·  Training and supporting young journalists in media ethics, fact-checking, conflict analysis and digital production.

·  Produce and disseminate articles, reports, profiles and features on peace, reconciliation and community initiatives.

·  Connect journalists across borders through dialogue, the sharing of experiences and the co-production of content.

·  Raise public awareness of disinformation, hate speech and the responsible use of the media.

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Our ambition

The project aims to support 30 young journalists — 10 per country —, to produce at least 100 pieces of media contentand to develop a multilingual platform in French, Swahili, Kirundi and Kinyarwanda. It seeks to establish a sustainable network of professionals committed to rigorous and conflict-sensitive journalism, with a particular focus on women’s participation.

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An initiative driven by an international partnership

GPM is an initiative led by RAPRED-Girubuntu e.V. and implemented in collaboration with Radio Indundi Culture, in cooperation with CEPD-Girubuntu, the Youth Network for Peace in the Great Lakes Region (RJP-GL), the Media for Peace initiative in the DRC and other civil society actors. The regional dimension is facilitated by cooperation with the Justice and Peace Commissions in Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo

GPM forms part of the implementation of the “Tandem Project” of the Academy of Friendship, supported by the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg and the Diocese of Rottenburg-Stuttgart, as part of the partnership with Burundi.

Discover our content, the voices from the region and the initiatives that bring peace to life on a daily basis.