Ivorian journalists trained on digital challenges and online security

On April 13, 2026, a training session on digital rights was held in Port-Bouët Airport, Côte d'Ivoire, for about twenty Ivorian and foreign journalists. Organized by Paradigm Initiative as part of a roundtable on digital rights and inclusion DRIF26, the event aimed to enhance media professionals' understanding of digital environment issues. Moussa Sene, Francophone Africa Program Officer at Paradigm Initiative, defined digital rights as human rights exercised and protected in the digital sphere, emphasizing their universal, transversal, evolving, and interconnected nature. He highlighted the importance of access to the internet for economic participation, democratic expression, and basic services, as well as online freedom of expression, the right to privacy and data protection, freedom of association and assembly online, and access to information. Sene stressed that access to information is fundamental for democracy, enabling citizens to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable. He encouraged journalists to consult institutions for reliable public information and advocated for the right to anonymity and digital security. Joshua Oye, Senior Officer IT Development, focused on digital hygiene, raising awareness about physical and cyberattack risks and recommending measures such as regular software updates, strong passwords, and the use of VPNs. He noted that digital surveillance is often targeted, advising participants to manage their tools effectively to avoid diff