Muslim journalists urged to uphold professionalism ahead of elections
By Aubrey Thom Vakhani
Minister of Water and Sanitation, Abida Mia has called on Muslim journalists in Malawi to maintain high standards of professionalism as the country approaches the general elections.
Mia made the appeal during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Muslim Journalists (AMUJO) in Blantyre, where she served as the guest of honour.
“It’s crucial that Muslim journalists are wise with their words. They should know how to talk and ensure that they are building and not breaking, promoting unity across religions,” said Mia.
She emphasised the importance of accurate reporting, especially in the context of political violence.
“As we head towards the elections, it’s imperative that Muslim journalists are aware of what is happening on the ground and do not escalate violence through their work. They should work in accordance with the professionalism of their field, ensuring that they do not make political violence worse by spreading false information,” she advised.
Secretary General of the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM), Alhaji Dr. Twaib Lawe, also addressed the gathering, urging AMUJO members to remain ethical in their reporting.
“MAM is proud of AMUJO and will continue to support it morally, materially, and financially because they are doing good work,” he said.
AMUJO President, Chekautu Ndege, highlighted the association’s achievements over the past year, including working on its constitution, instituting a board of trustees, and linking up with other Islamic organisations.
However, Ndege noted that the biggest challenge facing AMUJO is securing financial resources.
“As a non-profit organisation, we still have that big challenge. But that doesn’t mean we should fail to carry out our work. We’re exploring other means, including discussing with potential partners and stabilizing our membership fees,” he said.
Ndege also advised AMUJO members to report professionally and promote peace and coexistence among all Malawians as the country heads towards the general elections.
“We urge our members to write and report in a manner that fosters peace and understanding,” he said.
Ndege thanked Mia and organisations for generously supporting AMUJO.
The AGM provided a platform for AMUJO members to reflect on the association’s performance and plan for the future.
With the support of Mia, Al Barakah Charity Trust, MAM and other organisations, AMUJO is poised to continue its important work in promoting accurate and responsible reporting in Malawi.
The AGM was held under the theme “Promoting Peaceful Coexistence through Ethical Journalism”.