Press release from the CENOZO Board of Directors meeting

PRESS RELEASE

Abidjan, 26 November 2024: The Board of Directors of the Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa (CENOZO) held its first statutory meeting on 25 and 26 November 2024 in Abidjan, with the support of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The meeting was attended by all members of the Board of Directors and two members of the CENOZO staff (the Coordinator and the Programme Officer). It provided an opportunity to:

• Review the organisation’s projects and programmes;
• Address urgent issues, including the working conditions of investigative journalists in the sub-region;
• Plan the next Elective General Assembly.

Key outcomes

1. Project implementation and recognition of staff

• The Board noted the satisfactory execution of the organisation’s projects and programmes.
• The Board commended the staff for their remarkable work while providing directives to enhance the organisation’s performance in promoting investigative journalism in the sub-region.
• The Board expressed gratitude to the technical and financial partners for their continued support in implementing the organisation’s activities.

2. Working conditions of journalists in the sub-region

• The Board approved the establishment of a security and protection strategy for investigative journalists, whistleblowers, and civil society actors in West Africa.
• The Board validated the creation of an emergency support fund for investigative journalists at risk in the sub-region, in partnership with Whistleblowers and Journalists Safety International Center (WASJIC) and other organisations dedicated to journalist protection.

3. Elective General Assembly

• The Board scheduled the Elective General Assembly of CENOZO for mid-2025 in Praia, Cape Verde.
• This event will take place alongside the organisation’s periodic conference, themed: “Fighting political instability, corruption, and terrorism financing in West Africa: the role and contribution of investigative journalists“.

4. Support for investigative journalists

• The Board of Directors of CENOZO extends its encouragement to all members of the organisation and investigative journalists working under difficult and dangerous conditions.
• The Board calls on other organisations supporting quality journalism and journalist protection to synergise efforts to advance the cause of freedom of expression and press freedom, which are fundamental to the stability of states.

The Board of Directors