What does peace journalism mean to journalists in East Africa?

October 29, 2025

A study examining peace journalism trainings in East African countries reveals that journalists interpret peace journalism differently based on their professional circumstances and resources. Entry-level reporters and those in remote areas tend to focus on conflict victims and community reconciliation, while established journalists in well-resourced organizations emphasize policy solutions for elite audiences. Rather than viewing these varied interpretations as problematic, researchers suggest that diverse journalistic perspectives on conflict can actually strengthen peacekeeping efforts by providing multiple angles and approaches.

Who is affected

Media professionals in East Africa (specifically in Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Uganda)
Entry-level journalists and reporters working in remote areas with limited resources
Established journalists working in larger, well-resourced organizations
Peacekeepers and public officials
Communities impacted by conflicts (including those in South Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza)
Marginalized groups who may face increased negative sentiments from inflammatory reporting
Women journalists and those working within certain religious environments

What action is being taken

Peace journalism trainings and workshops are being hosted in and across East Africa
Journalists who attended these trainings are implementing peace journalism practices in their conflict reporting
Media professionals are reporting on conflicts using either community-focused or policy-focused approaches depending on their professional positions

Why it matters

Peace journalism matters because traditional conflict reporting tends to be inflammatory and sensational, potentially increasing cynicism and negative attitudes toward marginalized groups. The varied interpretations of peace journalism among East African journalists demonstrate that diverse perspectives can provide multiple angles for understanding conflicts, which aids peacekeepers, officials, and multilateral organizations in developing creative solutions. This diversity challenges the misconception that any single approach—including journalism—can solve conflicts alone, emphasizing instead that multiple actors and perspectives are necessary for achieving lasting, transformational peace.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices