By: Wegayehu Muluneh
Journalists from the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC) have taken a specialized training program focused on reporting geopolitical issues, with a particular emphasis on the complexities of the Red Sea region today.
The training, organized by EBC itself, aimed to enhance journalistic skills in delivering well-researched, balanced, and audience-friendly stories on critical global and regional affairs.
During the session, the Trainer Dawit Ketema, a senior geopolitical trainer and journalist who have worked for daily monitor on the area, underscored the importance of in-depth research when covering the Red Sea’s geopolitical landscape.
As multiple global powers including the United States, Turkey, and the UAE have strategic interests in Somalia and the surrounding region, journalists were urged to consider these dynamics when reporting on Ethiopia’s efforts to secure a sea outlet.
The trainer also stressed that journalists must tread the middle ground, ensuring their reports remain balanced and objective rather than leaning toward any single perspective.
The importance of presentation was another key point, as stories on geopolitical matters should be accessible and engaging not only for political elites but also for the general public.
A crucial economic aspect highlighted during the training was Ethiopia’s reliance on Djibouti’s port, costing the nation $6 million per day. This heavy financial burden makes the question of Ethiopia’s access to a sea outlet a fundamental issue for the country’s socioeconomic development.
The training is part of EBC’s broader efforts to strengthen its journalists’ expertise in international affairs reporting, ensuring their coverage remains insightful, fair, and informative for diverse audiences.