An In-Depth Look at HumAngle’s Purpose-Driven Reporting

In recent years, HumAngle has established a unique presence within the West African media landscape, characterised by bravery and thoroughness. We have made it our business to spotlight the stories that are often overlooked.  These stories centre on conflict, displacement, and human resilience. We take a critical look inward to examine how deeply HumAngle has stayed true to its founding mission: to illuminate the lives and struggles of people affected by insecurity and humanitarian crises across the region.

This thematic audit of our editorial output highlights both the extensive range of issues addressed and the profound level of engagement, especially in high-risk and underreported regions. The data and stories convey a compelling narrative of a newsroom that not only responds to the news cycle but remains deeply integrated within it.

Adhering to the core purpose

From 2020 to 2025, there is a notable and steady focus by HumAngle on issues related to conflict. More than 60 per cent of all stories published focus on themes like armed insurgency, violent extremism, conflicts with both state and non-state armed groups, and the humanitarian effects of violence. 

Sub-themes like gender, displacement, child soldiering, and the collapse of local economies receive significant focus within this context. Recently, there has been an increase in our focus on transitional justice and post-conflict recovery, highlighting the newsroom’s ability to adapt and the changing nature of violence in the region.

Coverage from the outskirts

HumAngle’s map of story origins showcases our bold approach to journalism. The coverage spans from Borno to Zamfara and from the Lake Chad countries’ basin to the Central Sahel, highlighting fragile regions frequently considered unreachable or perilous by many media outlets. 

This geographic distribution reflects our dedication to covering the realities of insecurity while emphasising our focus on highlighting the struggles of marginalised communities often neglected in broader conversations, both nationally and globally.

Storytelling Authenticity

In contrast to numerous news organisations that focus on event reporting, HumAngle has established a legacy of in-depth, comprehensive coverage. The extensive features and in-depth investigations, like those focusing on informal detention, human trafficking pathways, and the psychological impact of conflicts, provide a distinctive perspective on underlying systemic challenges.

In many instances, these narratives have resulted in significant consequences and impact: official inquiries, widespread public response, and the activation of civil society. The continued examination of these narratives, extending months or even years beyond the initial report, highlights our commitment to editorial integrity and a profound sense of responsibility.

Journalism with a focus on people

HumAngle’s storytelling is characterised by our commitment to prioritising human voices. Those who have survived abduction, returned from displacement camps, endured state violence, and worked on the frontlines of humanitarian efforts are not mere background figures; they are the ones who share their stories.  

This approach not only provides information but also upholds the dignity of those impacted by crisis, encouraging readers to look past mere numbers.

Advancements and responsible journalism

In a demanding media landscape where support systems were scarce even before the current shrinking funding reality, HumAngle has not only endured; it has also embraced innovation with the limited funds available. The newsroom has broadened its approach to conflict reporting through its explainer series, narrative podcasts, and immersive multimedia projects. 

Equally significant, it has upheld rigorous ethical standards, emphasising the safety of its journalists and the informed consent of its sources.

In areas saturated with misinformation and propaganda, a dedication to truth and context stands out as both uncommon and essential.

A purpose fulfilled

HumAngle’s self-reflective mission alignment scorecard, the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) framework, revealed a significant connection between our editorial choices and our core objectives. We operate with a clear mission, balancing reporting and fairness.

8,104 stories published

Infographics: Damilola Lawal/HumAngle.

HumAngle’s body of work serves as a testament to the struggles faced in our region while also honouring its enduring strength.

The important work ahead

As multiple conflict situations develop and humanitarian needs intensify and grow throughout West Africa and the Sahel region, the importance of specialised, accountability and ethical journalism is increasingly necessary for the stability and development of the region. 

Across these regions and Nigeria’s ungoverned territories, millions of people live under the shadow of violence and neglect, completely cut off from state protection and justice. In these lawless zones where the government’s presence is nonexistent, residents endure the oppressive rule of non-state armed groups who impose taxes, collect levies, and demand ransoms with impunity.

These communities, already battered by conflict and displacement, face a grim daily reality where survival often depends on submitting to the dictates of violent actors, with no recourse to legal protection or basic rights. The absence of state governance has not only eroded the social contract but has entrenched a parallel system of authority that thrives on coercion, fear, and exploitation. HumAngle’s primary objective is to support this population by telling their stories and offering basic human rights literacy to improve their situation.

The frontlines may change, but HumAngle’s focus remains unwavering.