In the heart of Timbuktu, Radio Tahanint—whose name means “Mercy” or “Pity” in the Tamasheq language—stands as a pioneer and a miracle. Launched in April 2007 by the Evangelical Baptist Church of Timbuktu, it was the very first Christian station to broadcast throughout northern Mali, a region where the media landscape was then dominated exclusively by general-interest or Islamic radio stations.
The history of Tahanint is marked by persecution, particularly in 2012 during the occupation of Timbuktu by Tuareg rebels and their jihadist allies. During this period, the radio station was systematically ransacked, its facilities looted, and its electrical wires torn from the walls to ensure that the Christian voice would no longer be heard. Forced into exile in Bamako, Director Abdoulaye Cissé and his team did not return until 2013, following the recapture of the city. However, the most profound trauma occurred on December 17, 2015, when an assailant emerged from the shadows and opened fire on a group of young people in front of the studios, killing three of them, including one of the station’s hosts. This “darkest day” left an indelible mark on the station’s history, though it did not diminish its resolve.
They paid for their commitment to Radio Tahanint with their lives
"Radio Intégrale" as a bridge between communities
To overcome hostility and obstacles, the station adopted a “Radio Intégrale” strategy, positioning itself as a community-based, non-denominational radio station. Rather than limiting itself to purely religious discourse, it broadcasts programs on health, agriculture, and human development to address the human condition in all its dimensions. This approach has yielded unexpected results, as evidenced by the case of a neighbor who is a muezzin and has become a loyal listener to the medical program “Doctor Luc,” which he tunes in to regularly for both his physical and spiritual well-being.
Technological independence and regional influence
Today, Radio Tahanint has turned its weaknesses into strengths thanks to greater technological self-sufficiency and expanded regional reach. In terms of energy, a partnership with FEBA has enabled the station to acquire a large-scale solar power system with lithium batteries, allowing it to broadcast 24 hours a day without relying on an unreliable public grid or being vulnerable to sabotage. Furthermore, its reach is no longer limited to Timbuktu; its programs are now carried by a network of more than 30 partner radio stations throughout the region, notably in Goundam, Diré, and Niafunké, spreading messages of peace where some seek to impose silence. Although threats persist intermittently, Abdoulaye Cissé asserts that the radio station still has a bright future ahead of it, as it has become a key player in Mali’s media landscape.
Abdoulaye Cissé was awarded the 2021 “François Sergy” Prize in Lomé, Togo, pictured here with Emmanuel Ziehli
“Sub-Saharan and Central Africa has become the new global epicenter of jihadism, where groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are seeking to establish a Sahelian caliphate by encircling urban centers.” In a recent article, Illia Djadi, senior analyst at Open Doors in London, notes that “this security threat is accompanied by deliberate social division, targeting Christian minorities and transforming the region into one of the world’s most acute zones of religious persecution.” Beyond religious issues, and further afield in Central Africa, occupying forces such as the M23 are also terrorizing populations over territorial disputes. In this chaos, radio emerges as a vital medium, a last bastion whose influence is such that it becomes a priority target for those seeking to silence any message of peace. We explore this reality through the accounts of five witnesses in Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Ivory Coast 2002: Jean Seri, a Pioneer of Radio Resilience
On September 19, 2002, at 3 a.m., Abidjan was plunged into violence following an attempted coup. In today’s African context, marked by security crises and the rise of radicalism, Jean Seri’s experience serves as a harbinger. While major international broadcasters such as RFI, the BBC, and Africa Numéro 1 were silenced, Christian radio remained the sole beacon in the turmoil.
The Courage of Faith at the Heart of the Struggle
Jean Seri, a SIM missionary and now Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fréquence Vie, lived right next to the studios. The studios were located at a strategic crossroads, between the gendarmerie academy and the police academy. Faced with the chaos, he made a historic decision: to open the station at 5 a.m. to invite Ivorians to pray and broadcast music to soothe their hearts. Alone at the microphone as gunfire rang out, he transformed the media outlet into a tool for spiritual resistance and peace.
This bold presence on the airwaves did not go unnoticed by the attacking forces. On the second day, a rebel called the station directly to demand that the broadcasts be stopped: “You must stop calling on people to kneel and pray… These prayers have prevented our mission from succeeding.” Despite the explicit threat that the radio station would be destroyed, Jean Seri responded with disarming calm, inviting his interlocutor to “reconcile with God rather than kill his fellow man.”
A rapidly expanding national heritage
Today, this legacy of resilience has enabled the station to become the national radio station of the Evangelical Protestant Churches of Côte d’Ivoire. A true media institution, it broadcasts nationwide from Abidjan on 89.4 FM. Its signal now reaches five other key cities across the country: Abengourou, Bouaké, Man, and Yamoussoukro. For Jean Seri, Christian radio stations remain essential tools for preventing the rise of radicalism, as they carry a message of love and peace to places where people can no longer go.
to be reconciled with God rather than kill one's fellow man – Jean Seri, pictured here on the right, Abidjan 2026
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Jean-Seri-2.jpg20481639Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliJune 9, 2026, 11:07:50 AMJune 9, 2026, 11:07:55"Shock Waves" Series: The Resilience of Christian Radio Stations in the Face of African Rebellions
As the province of Ituri faces an Ebola resurgence, panic and uncertainty are spreading across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For Radio-Télévision Évangile Réconciliation (RTER) in Nyakunde, the race against time has begun. An exclusive interview with its director, Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, who counters the prevailing fatalism with awareness-raising and Christian faith.
The official figures released on May 18, 2026, by the Minister of Health and reported by Radio Okapi are alarming: Ituri Province has surpassed 350 suspected cases, including 91 probable deaths. The urgency is compounded by a major medical challenge: the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, a variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.
In Nyakunde, the local population, already devastated by the abuses of armed groups, must now face this scourge. Speaking on the air, Jean-Luc Simbilyabo describes the dual challenges faced by a Christian community radio station.
Exclusive Interview
Emmanuel Ziehli: Jean-Luc, what’s the general mood like in Nyakunde since the official announcement of the outbreak on May 15? Is there a sense of panic building?
Jean-Luc Simbalibabo: Since the announcement, the public has been torn between heightened vigilance and deep concern. Residents are trying to follow medical guidelines, but we are facing a massive wave of false rumors. At first, people thought it was a hoax or fake news, especially after incidents in the Mongwalu mining region where a coffin had been burned. But today, the reality is clear, and fear is setting in.
EZ: Could you give us an update on the current situation and the latest figures at Nyakunde Hospital? There are also reports of an American missionary being infected.
JLS: The situation at Nyakunde Hospital, which is right next to our station, is very concerning. As we speak, there are 12 recorded cases, including 4 severe cases that have tested positive and are currently in isolation. Panic has escalated with the confirmation that Dr. Peter, an American missionary doctor, has been infected. He has lived here with his family for over three years and works primarily in the emergency room. He treated a patient from Bunia who unfortunately passed away. Dr. Peter did not know that this patient had Ebola. This morning, his condition deteriorated significantly, and he has been placed under close observation.
EZ: There is no vaccine available for this Bundibugyo strain. How are people reacting to this lack of conventional medical treatments?
JLS: People are terrified. They’re doing their best to follow preventive measures: washing their hands, using ash as a disinfectant, or soap and hand sanitizer when they can afford it. But it’s a cultural struggle. The Congolese people deeply love to greet one another, shake hands, and be together. For many, adding this restriction while we’re already suffering under the yoke of the ADF rebels is seen as yet another punishment.
EZ: Speaking of which, how does your Christian radio station adapt its programming to link faith with safety guidelines?
JLS: At RTER, we’ve stepped up our programming. We consistently combine biblical messages of hope with very practical health guidelines (isolation, hygiene, caution regarding gatherings). The government hasn’t banned religious services yet, but we’re driving home a key message on the air: faith and prevention go hand in hand.
Radio and Television Gospel Reconciliation (RTER) in Nyakunde
EZ: Changing traditional funeral customs is a sensitive issue for families. What arguments do you use on the air?
JLS: This is a major pastoral challenge. We explain that the physical body is merely a shell and that refusing to touch the remains of a loved one who has died of Ebola is an act of protection for the survivors. We work hand in hand with God’s servants. Through a WhatsApp support group dedicated to countering misinformation, we’ve mobilized about thirty local pastors. They go on the air to encourage churches to adapt their practices: praying for the sick from a distance, without laying on of hands, and stopping physical greetings.
“Drawing on the Epistle to the Romans (14:13), we explain on the air that burying our dead with dignity while protecting the living from infection is the greatest act of love and faith one can perform.” – Jean-Luc Simbilyabo
EZ: The Minister of Health has just delivered 5 tons of supplies to Bunia in collaboration with the WHO, but the region is home to hundreds of thousands of people. What is the reality of this supply situation where you are?
JLS: Five tons for a population of this size is a drop in the bucket. On the ground, international aid is being hampered, particularly by the suspension of USAID funding, which is having a catastrophic impact. In pharmacies, the prices of masks and bleach have doubled or even tripled. The population is being suffocated. People can’t even get to their fields anymore because ADF jihadists are demanding a $10 monthly tax just to let them farm! The radio remains the only free and accessible source of information to guide them.
EZ: Despite the repeated crises in Ituri, you continue to hold strong, and you’re even grooming your son to take over. Where do you personally find the strength and resilience to guide your listeners through this new storm?
JLS: I say with the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”—that is Jesus Christ. It’s not easy, you see… I spend a great deal of time in prayer, with the deep conviction that God can never abandon us when we are in His field, in His mission. He has called us for this, and we are here to press on. Having my son by my side gives me tremendous strength. It gives me hope that one day, he will be able to help me and take over this heavy burden, if the Lord is delayed in coming.
“Having my son by my side gives me strength and hope that one day he will be able to take over this heavy burden.” – Jean-Luc Simbilyabo
EZ: What is your most urgent appeal today to the international solidarity network (Médias Ébène, FOMECAF, AbR) that supports you?
JLS: Please pray for us and support us logistically. Our six gel batteries for the transmitter are completely worn out after five years of service. They drain very quickly as soon as the sun goes down. We are then forced to turn on the generator, but the price of diesel has skyrocketed. We urgently need to replace these six batteries to stay on the air, because with the impending lockdown and the likely closure of churches, the radio will become the one and only place where people can seek comfort, guidance, and the truth.
Sources for this article
Source: Epidemiological alerts from the Ituri Regional Authorities.
Field report: RTER Nyakunde – Exclusive interview with Jean-Luc Simbilyabo.
Médias Ebène is launching a fundraising campaign to meet the urgent needs of Radio-Télévision Évangile Réconciliation (RTER) in Nyakunde; please note: Ituri emergency
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Jean-Luc_2.jpeg1080810Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliMay 18, 2026 5:17:34 PMJune 9, 2026, 11:44:47 AMJean-Luc Simbilyabo (RTER): “In the Face of the Ebola Outbreak in Ituri, Faith and Prevention Go Hand in Hand”
The year 2026 is off to a strong start. The success of the recent seminar in Abidjan has confirmed the vital role of faith-based media as a bulwark against radicalism. To sustain this momentum, your support is essential.
Our 2026 program is ambitious: in September, a seminar in Chad with Africa by Radio (AbR) will strengthen continental collaboration. We are planning a technical tour of some 40 radio stations, culminating in the “Lomé 6” seminar, which will bring together 100 stakeholders from 15 countries. On a daily basis, Médias Ébène provides ongoing strategic support to the 200 media outlets in the FOMECAF network.
Carrying out these missions requires an operating budget of over €100,000. This amount, which does not include our correspondent’s salary, is essential to continuing the legacy of Radio Réveil and Radios Ébène Développement, which began in Africa as early as 1960, in order to preserve decades of valuable work on the continent.
Emmanuel Ziehli, in favor of "comprehensive radio"
Emmanuel Ziehli, who has been serving for 16 years, advocates a holistic mission: “integral radio.” Here, the spiritual message is accompanied by a response to the practical needs of the communities served. His position in Switzerland is secured by SMG in Winterthur, but his salary is not yet fully covered. Your direct support is therefore crucial to the mission
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Emmanuel_2.jpg7921080Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliApril 30, 2026, 9:33:37 AMApril 30, 2026 9:33:41 AM2026: Building the Future of African Christian Media
Ten years after ISIS’s attempt to establish a foothold in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa has become the new jihadist El Dorado. Groups affiliated with al-Qaeda (JNIM) and the Islamic State (EIGS) are stepping up their offensives in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This geographical barrier is giving way to a plan for a Sahelian caliphate. The terrorist strategy is evolving: from rural areas, the groups are moving to encircle urban centers and are threatening Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, in a scenario reminiscent of the fall of Afghanistan.
This security crisis is compounded by a deep social divide. The local culture of tolerance has been shattered by ethnic and religious divisions that have been deliberately exacerbated. Christian communities are prime targets, facing the tragic choice between forced conversion or death. The tragedy in Silgadji (the murder of a pastor in Burkina Faso) in 2019 marked the beginning of systematic persecution: regions emptied of their minorities, churches closed, and discriminatory taxes imposed. Sub-Saharan Africa is now the region with the most severe religious persecution in the world.
Image caption: Jihadist in Timbuktu, credit Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Despite this chaos—including 2 million displaced people in Burkina Faso—the crisis receives little attention in the West. Yet instability in the Sahel threatens global security by fueling migration routes and trafficking networks toward Europe. To stem this tide, a overhaul of foreign policies is urgently needed. A comprehensive approach must rely on local faith-based organizations and their community media. Thanks to their deep social roots, these actors are indispensable pillars for information, education, and community mediation. Sustainable reconstruction cannot happen without these voices on the ground.
Illia Djadi, an expert on security and religious freedom (Open Doors International). Member of Médias Ébène and the leadership of FOMECAF, a network of pan-African radio stations.
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Illia-Djadi.jpg8671463Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliApril 10, 2026, 8:48:31 AMApril 10, 2026, 8:48:38 AMFacing the Caliphate: The Ordeal of Religious Minorities in Africa
Technical support, guidance, and training: this is how the Médias Ébène association supports Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa. Today, this region faces major challenges, including the rise of religious extremism. In this context, Christian radio stations in Senegal, Mali, Chad, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon—through their impressive numbers—are raising a voice that can make a difference in the name of Jesus Christ!
Through their programming, these radio stations empower communities to respond appropriately to the spread of Islamism. They promote respectful understanding of others and raise awareness of the importance of a culture of peace in the face of ethnic and religious hostilities. They also contribute, through holistic radio, to the fight against poverty.
In Africa, radio is the medium par excellence. Encouraging, training, and bringing together those involved in the field requires a variety of forms of support. The hiring this spring of a full-time staff member to coordinate this network with local partners is a major undertaking. This will enable Médias Ébène to provide evangelical, Pentecostal, Methodist, and Reformed radio stations with the resources to nurture a hope rooted in Jesus Christ.
As a journalist, I have participated in training seminars. These provided an opportunity to offer presenters additional guidance on improving their on-air presence, raising awareness about fake news that distorts perceptions of reality, and introducing them to reporting and investigative journalism. These are all techniques that enable these individuals to be “salt and light” in a context marked by violence and destructive forces.
Thank you in advance for your help in developing this unique project!
Serge Carrel, pastor and journalist
You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world…Matthew 5:13–14
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Serge-scaled.jpg25601704Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliApril 9, 2026, 4:20:23 PMApril 9, 2026, 4:20:39 PMMédias Ébène, a unique mission to make a difference!
The province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is facing a security and humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions. Between March 28 and 31, 2026, rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out a series of bloody raids, blocking major roads and plunging the Mambasa region into terror.
Casualties and mass abductions
The weekend of March 28–29 marked a turning point in the violence along the Mambasa–Komanda route. According to Radio Okapi, the attacks began in Babungwe before spreading to Lomalisa, where the assailants fired into the air to force villagers to surrender. Human rights activist John Vuleverio, quoted by the media outlet, cites the terrifying figure of 388 civilians taken hostage.
The horror does not end with the capture. Local sources cited by ituri.cd and CODEPEF report that “some victims were reportedly executed, their bodies left unburied at the scene” in the Bakwanza Forest. This situation has led to the closure of more than ten health facilities, depriving thousands of people of vital care.
A crippled economy and transportation system
On Monday, March 30, another attack struck the Mambasa–Bunia road near Muchanga. Laurent Kyeya, coordinator of CODEPEF (Convention for the Development of Forest Peoples), paints a picture of extreme gravity: “Of the seven chiefdoms in the Mambasa territory, the majority are currently under threat from ADF rebels. This insecurity is affecting several major road routes, notably Mambasa–Nduye, Mambasa–Kisangani, and Mambasa–Beni.”
As RFI points out, this strategy of terror is directly targeting road users and farmers. In the towns of Makokolo and Mandima, residents no longer dare to go to their fields, which is seriously jeopardizing agricultural production. The consequences are immediate: massive population displacements toward the center of Mambasa and a complete standstill of socioeconomic activities.
A Testimony to Resilience
When asked about this situation, Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, director of RTER (Radio Télé Évangile Réconciliation) in Nyakunde, delivers a message of strength and faith:
“The repeated attacks along the Mambasa–Komanda route serve as a reminder of the silent suffering of thousands of families living between fear and hope. Yet, even amidst the ashes, faith remains alive: Christians continue to pray, serve, and bear witness. We can support this mission through prayer, by sharing these testimonies, and by providing concrete support to local radio stations that carry the voice of truth and peace. As it is written: ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1:5).”
Calls for a major intervention
In response to the emergency, civil society and media outlets such as Yahoo News (AFP) are calling for large-scale military operations. “Protecting civilians is a fundamental obligation of the state,” insists John Vuleverio. While the territory’s assistant administrator, Colonel Maxime, calls for calm and assures that “military operations are continuing,” the population is waiting for tangible results to secure the roads and free the captives.
Solidarity: Médias Ébène offers its full support to the Christian radio stations that are members of FOMECAF and operate in the region, particularly RTER Radio in Nyakunde, which remains an indispensable beacon of hope amid the turmoil.
Latest Developments: Ransomware Extortion
According to an update from the RTCR on April 2, following the raid in Muchanga (on the Mambasa-Bunia road), the kidnappers have taken the horror to a new level. The rebels are now demanding a ransom of $10,000 to release some of the hostages captured on March 30. This financial blackmail deepens the despair of families already deprived of their livelihoods, as access to their fields has become impossible in Makokolo and Mandima.
CODEPEF (Convention for the Development of Forest Peoples): Report by Attorney Laurent Kyeya on insecurity in the Mambasa territory (March 30–31, 2026).
RTER (Radio Télé Évangile Réconciliation): An exclusive interview with Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, station director in Nyakunde (April 1, 2026).
Regulatory Authorities
Mambasa Territorial Administration: Statements by Colonel Maxime, Assistant Administrator, regarding ongoing military operations.
In a special nationwide broadcast that transcends all religious divides, Emmanuel Ziehli speaks with four leading figures in the Ivorian media landscape. Joined byÉtienne Saï (CEFCA), Kassim Traoré (TV and Radio Hosanna), Niomouti Samuel (Radio Fréquence Vie), and Justin (Radio Nationale Catholique – RNC), he delivers an exclusive interview that brings together all faiths. A unique media event to address the country’s current challenges in a spirit of dialogue and brotherhood.
The "last-mile" medium
Despite the ubiquity of social media, radio remains the dominant medium in Africa. Why? Because it is the only medium capable of overcoming the barriers of illiteracy and reaching even the most isolated settlements. As Emmanuel Ziehli points out, it is not merely a receiver of sounds; it is a “traveling companion” that speaks directly to the listener’s heart and mind, where other screens fall silent.
Professionalism and Ethics: The Challenge of Quality
One of the key messages from the Abidjan seminar is the call for greater professionalism. According to our guest contributor, commitment must not come at the expense of competence.
Ethics on the Air: In contexts that are sometimes fragile, radio has the power to build peace or fuel tensions. FOMECAF’s stance is clear: radio must be a vehicle for reconciliation and education.
“Every open microphone is a responsibility. We don’t just broadcast signals; we broadcast influence.” — Emmanuel Ziehli
The Digital Shift: The Convergence of FM and the Web
The seminar also addresses technological change. Far from being at odds with the Internet, African radio today relies on digital technology to expand its reach. Podcasts, streaming, and social media are becoming allies of FM radio, helping it reach a hyper-connected youth audience without neglecting its traditional listeners.
North-South Synergy for Tomorrow
FOMECAF 2026 is not just a place for learning; it is a space for sharing. The combination of technical expertise and the realities on the ground in Africa creates a unique dynamic. The ultimate goal? For every radio station to become a true driver of local development, addressing issues of health, agriculture, and citizenship with a strong and credible voice.
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CEFCA_Studio_Abidjan-scaled.jpg14412560Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliMarch 20, 2026, 7:32:12 AMMarch 20, 2026, 7:33:32 AMNational Broadcast: New Challenges for African FM Radio in Abidjan
The last stop on our multi-day mission in Togo was the town of Notsé, located 100 km north of the capital, Lomé. It was here that we met with the teams from Radio Moisson Finale.
Working closely with teams and listeners This field visit provided an opportunity for rich and constructive discussions. We were able to talk with management and the technical and journalistic teams who keep the station running on a daily basis.
In order to better measure the impact of radio in the region, we also assembled a panel of listeners. Their valuable testimonials gave us a concrete understanding of the essential role that Moisson Finale plays in their everyday lives.
Concrete support for the future To acknowledge the work accomplished and encourage the teams to continue their development, we didn't leave empty-handed: we were delighted to present them with studio equipment. A little technical help to continue producing quality programs!
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NOTSE-Radio_Moissons_Finale-scaled.jpg17072560Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliFebruary 25, 2026, 12:09:04February 25, 2026, 12:12:13Live from the field: Meeting with Radio Moisson Finale in Notsé (Togo)
In the heart of central Togo, the city of Sokodé stands out for its strong identity: a major commercial hub, it is also one of the country's main centers of Islam. It was in this unique geographical and religious context that the FOMECAF and Médias Ébène delegation stopped off to support Radio Albarka.
Greeted with exceptional warmth by Elisabeth Koudjoukalo, the station's director, and her entire team (journalists, technicians), the emissaries were able to witness the resilience of this media outlet. Operating in a radio landscape dominated by Muslim religious stations, Albarka stands out for the quality of its programs and its message of peace.
However, running the radio station on a daily basis remains a struggle. Between an unreliable power supply and the burden of broadcasting taxes, there are many obstacles. Nevertheless, thanks to Elisabeth's rigorous and visionary management, the station is holding its own. To support this momentum, the delegation donated a new mixing desk, which is vital equipment for modernizing the studio and ensuring the continuity of broadcasts.
Radio Albarka proves that with determination and sound management, a Christian media outlet can not only survive, but thrive in French-speaking Africa.
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SOKODE-Albarka-scaled.jpg17072560Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliFebruary 24, 2026, 8:09:28 a.m.February 25, 2026, 12:11:02 p.m.Live from the field: Radio Albarka, a Christian beacon in Islamic lands
"Shock Waves" Series: Timbuktu Radio Tahanint, "Mercy"
Mali, Christian Media in French-speaking AfricaIn the heart of Timbuktu, Radio Tahanint—whose name means “Mercy” or “Pity” in the Tamasheq language—stands as a pioneer and a miracle. Launched in April 2007 by the Evangelical Baptist Church of Timbuktu, it was the very first Christian station to broadcast throughout northern Mali, a region where the media landscape was then dominated exclusively by general-interest or Islamic radio stations.
The history of Tahanint is marked by persecution, particularly in 2012 during the occupation of Timbuktu by Tuareg rebels and their jihadist allies. During this period, the radio station was systematically ransacked, its facilities looted, and its electrical wires torn from the walls to ensure that the Christian voice would no longer be heard. Forced into exile in Bamako, Director Abdoulaye Cissé and his team did not return until 2013, following the recapture of the city. However, the most profound trauma occurred on December 17, 2015, when an assailant emerged from the shadows and opened fire on a group of young people in front of the studios, killing three of them, including one of the station’s hosts. This “darkest day” left an indelible mark on the station’s history, though it did not diminish its resolve.
"Radio Intégrale" as a bridge between communities
To overcome hostility and obstacles, the station adopted a “Radio Intégrale” strategy, positioning itself as a community-based, non-denominational radio station. Rather than limiting itself to purely religious discourse, it broadcasts programs on health, agriculture, and human development to address the human condition in all its dimensions. This approach has yielded unexpected results, as evidenced by the case of a neighbor who is a muezzin and has become a loyal listener to the medical program “Doctor Luc,” which he tunes in to regularly for both his physical and spiritual well-being.
Technological independence and regional influence
Today, Radio Tahanint has turned its weaknesses into strengths thanks to greater technological self-sufficiency and expanded regional reach. In terms of energy, a partnership with FEBA has enabled the station to acquire a large-scale solar power system with lithium batteries, allowing it to broadcast 24 hours a day without relying on an unreliable public grid or being vulnerable to sabotage. Furthermore, its reach is no longer limited to Timbuktu; its programs are now carried by a network of more than 30 partner radio stations throughout the region, notably in Goundam, Diré, and Niafunké, spreading messages of peace where some seek to impose silence. Although threats persist intermittently, Abdoulaye Cissé asserts that the radio station still has a bright future ahead of it, as it has become a key player in Mali’s media landscape.
"Shock Waves" Series: The Resilience of Christian Radio Stations in the Face of African Rebellions
Ivory Coast, Christian Media in French-speaking Africa“Sub-Saharan and Central Africa has become the new global epicenter of jihadism, where groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State are seeking to establish a Sahelian caliphate by encircling urban centers.” In a recent article, Illia Djadi, senior analyst at Open Doors in London, notes that “this security threat is accompanied by deliberate social division, targeting Christian minorities and transforming the region into one of the world’s most acute zones of religious persecution.” Beyond religious issues, and further afield in Central Africa, occupying forces such as the M23 are also terrorizing populations over territorial disputes. In this chaos, radio emerges as a vital medium, a last bastion whose influence is such that it becomes a priority target for those seeking to silence any message of peace. We explore this reality through the accounts of five witnesses in Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Ivory Coast 2002: Jean Seri, a Pioneer of Radio Resilience
On September 19, 2002, at 3 a.m., Abidjan was plunged into violence following an attempted coup. In today’s African context, marked by security crises and the rise of radicalism, Jean Seri’s experience serves as a harbinger. While major international broadcasters such as RFI, the BBC, and Africa Numéro 1 were silenced, Christian radio remained the sole beacon in the turmoil.
The Courage of Faith at the Heart of the Struggle
Jean Seri, a SIM missionary and now Chairman of the Board of Directors of Fréquence Vie, lived right next to the studios. The studios were located at a strategic crossroads, between the gendarmerie academy and the police academy. Faced with the chaos, he made a historic decision: to open the station at 5 a.m. to invite Ivorians to pray and broadcast music to soothe their hearts. Alone at the microphone as gunfire rang out, he transformed the media outlet into a tool for spiritual resistance and peace.
This bold presence on the airwaves did not go unnoticed by the attacking forces. On the second day, a rebel called the station directly to demand that the broadcasts be stopped: “You must stop calling on people to kneel and pray… These prayers have prevented our mission from succeeding.” Despite the explicit threat that the radio station would be destroyed, Jean Seri responded with disarming calm, inviting his interlocutor to “reconcile with God rather than kill his fellow man.”
A rapidly expanding national heritage
Today, this legacy of resilience has enabled the station to become the national radio station of the Evangelical Protestant Churches of Côte d’Ivoire. A true media institution, it broadcasts nationwide from Abidjan on 89.4 FM. Its signal now reaches five other key cities across the country: Abengourou, Bouaké, Man, and Yamoussoukro. For Jean Seri, Christian radio stations remain essential tools for preventing the rise of radicalism, as they carry a message of love and peace to places where people can no longer go.
Jean-Luc Simbilyabo (RTER): “In the face of the Ebola outbreak in Ituri, faith and prevention go hand in hand”
Congo, Christian Media in French-speaking AfricaAs the province of Ituri faces an Ebola resurgence, panic and uncertainty are spreading across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For Radio-Télévision Évangile Réconciliation (RTER) in Nyakunde, the race against time has begun. An exclusive interview with its director, Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, who counters the prevailing fatalism with awareness-raising and Christian faith.
The official figures released on May 18, 2026, by the Minister of Health and reported by Radio Okapi are alarming: Ituri Province has surpassed 350 suspected cases, including 91 probable deaths. The urgency is compounded by a major medical challenge: the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, a variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.
In Nyakunde, the local population, already devastated by the abuses of armed groups, must now face this scourge. Speaking on the air, Jean-Luc Simbilyabo describes the dual challenges faced by a Christian community radio station.
Exclusive Interview
Emmanuel Ziehli: Jean-Luc, what’s the general mood like in Nyakunde since the official announcement of the outbreak on May 15? Is there a sense of panic building?
Jean-Luc Simbalibabo: Since the announcement, the public has been torn between heightened vigilance and deep concern. Residents are trying to follow medical guidelines, but we are facing a massive wave of false rumors. At first, people thought it was a hoax or fake news, especially after incidents in the Mongwalu mining region where a coffin had been burned. But today, the reality is clear, and fear is setting in.
EZ: Could you give us an update on the current situation and the latest figures at Nyakunde Hospital? There are also reports of an American missionary being infected.
JLS: The situation at Nyakunde Hospital, which is right next to our station, is very concerning. As we speak, there are 12 recorded cases, including 4 severe cases that have tested positive and are currently in isolation. Panic has escalated with the confirmation that Dr. Peter, an American missionary doctor, has been infected. He has lived here with his family for over three years and works primarily in the emergency room. He treated a patient from Bunia who unfortunately passed away. Dr. Peter did not know that this patient had Ebola. This morning, his condition deteriorated significantly, and he has been placed under close observation.
EZ: There is no vaccine available for this Bundibugyo strain. How are people reacting to this lack of conventional medical treatments?
JLS: People are terrified. They’re doing their best to follow preventive measures: washing their hands, using ash as a disinfectant, or soap and hand sanitizer when they can afford it. But it’s a cultural struggle. The Congolese people deeply love to greet one another, shake hands, and be together. For many, adding this restriction while we’re already suffering under the yoke of the ADF rebels is seen as yet another punishment.
EZ: Speaking of which, how does your Christian radio station adapt its programming to link faith with safety guidelines?
JLS: At RTER, we’ve stepped up our programming. We consistently combine biblical messages of hope with very practical health guidelines (isolation, hygiene, caution regarding gatherings). The government hasn’t banned religious services yet, but we’re driving home a key message on the air: faith and prevention go hand in hand.
EZ: Changing traditional funeral customs is a sensitive issue for families. What arguments do you use on the air?
JLS: This is a major pastoral challenge. We explain that the physical body is merely a shell and that refusing to touch the remains of a loved one who has died of Ebola is an act of protection for the survivors. We work hand in hand with God’s servants. Through a WhatsApp support group dedicated to countering misinformation, we’ve mobilized about thirty local pastors. They go on the air to encourage churches to adapt their practices: praying for the sick from a distance, without laying on of hands, and stopping physical greetings.
EZ: The Minister of Health has just delivered 5 tons of supplies to Bunia in collaboration with the WHO, but the region is home to hundreds of thousands of people. What is the reality of this supply situation where you are?
JLS: Five tons for a population of this size is a drop in the bucket. On the ground, international aid is being hampered, particularly by the suspension of USAID funding, which is having a catastrophic impact. In pharmacies, the prices of masks and bleach have doubled or even tripled. The population is being suffocated. People can’t even get to their fields anymore because ADF jihadists are demanding a $10 monthly tax just to let them farm! The radio remains the only free and accessible source of information to guide them.
EZ: Despite the repeated crises in Ituri, you continue to hold strong, and you’re even grooming your son to take over. Where do you personally find the strength and resilience to guide your listeners through this new storm?
JLS: I say with the Apostle Paul, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me”—that is Jesus Christ. It’s not easy, you see… I spend a great deal of time in prayer, with the deep conviction that God can never abandon us when we are in His field, in His mission. He has called us for this, and we are here to press on. Having my son by my side gives me tremendous strength. It gives me hope that one day, he will be able to help me and take over this heavy burden, if the Lord is delayed in coming.
EZ: What is your most urgent appeal today to the international solidarity network (Médias Ébène, FOMECAF, AbR) that supports you?
JLS: Please pray for us and support us logistically. Our six gel batteries for the transmitter are completely worn out after five years of service. They drain very quickly as soon as the sun goes down. We are then forced to turn on the generator, but the price of diesel has skyrocketed. We urgently need to replace these six batteries to stay on the air, because with the impending lockdown and the likely closure of churches, the radio will become the one and only place where people can seek comfort, guidance, and the truth.
Sources for this article
Source: Epidemiological alerts from the Ituri Regional Authorities.
Official source: Ministry of Health of the DRC & Radio Okapi news report – May 18, 2026
Field report: RTER Nyakunde – Exclusive interview with Jean-Luc Simbilyabo.
2026: Building the Future of African Christian Media
French-speaking Africa, Ivory Coast, Christian media in French-speaking Africa, Ebène MediaThe year 2026 is off to a strong start. The success of the recent seminar in Abidjan has confirmed the vital role of faith-based media as a bulwark against radicalism. To sustain this momentum, your support is essential.
Our 2026 program is ambitious: in September, a seminar in Chad with Africa by Radio (AbR) will strengthen continental collaboration. We are planning a technical tour of some 40 radio stations, culminating in the “Lomé 6” seminar, which will bring together 100 stakeholders from 15 countries. On a daily basis, Médias Ébène provides ongoing strategic support to the 200 media outlets in the FOMECAF network.
Carrying out these missions requires an operating budget of over €100,000. This amount, which does not include our correspondent’s salary, is essential to continuing the legacy of Radio Réveil and Radios Ébène Développement, which began in Africa as early as 1960, in order to preserve decades of valuable work on the continent.
Emmanuel Ziehli, in favor of "comprehensive radio"
Emmanuel Ziehli, who has been serving for 16 years, advocates a holistic mission: “integral radio.” Here, the spiritual message is accompanied by a response to the practical needs of the communities served. His position in Switzerland is secured by SMG in Winterthur, but his salary is not yet fully covered. Your direct support is therefore crucial to the mission
Facing the Caliphate: The Ordeal of Religious Minorities in Africa
French-speaking AfricaTen years after ISIS’s attempt to establish a foothold in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa has become the new jihadist El Dorado. Groups affiliated with al-Qaeda (JNIM) and the Islamic State (EIGS) are stepping up their offensives in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. This geographical barrier is giving way to a plan for a Sahelian caliphate. The terrorist strategy is evolving: from rural areas, the groups are moving to encircle urban centers and are threatening Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, in a scenario reminiscent of the fall of Afghanistan.
This security crisis is compounded by a deep social divide. The local culture of tolerance has been shattered by ethnic and religious divisions that have been deliberately exacerbated. Christian communities are prime targets, facing the tragic choice between forced conversion or death. The tragedy in Silgadji (the murder of a pastor in Burkina Faso) in 2019 marked the beginning of systematic persecution: regions emptied of their minorities, churches closed, and discriminatory taxes imposed. Sub-Saharan Africa is now the region with the most severe religious persecution in the world.
Image caption: Jihadist in Timbuktu, credit Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0
Despite this chaos—including 2 million displaced people in Burkina Faso—the crisis receives little attention in the West. Yet instability in the Sahel threatens global security by fueling migration routes and trafficking networks toward Europe. To stem this tide, a overhaul of foreign policies is urgently needed. A comprehensive approach must rely on local faith-based organizations and their community media. Thanks to their deep social roots, these actors are indispensable pillars for information, education, and community mediation. Sustainable reconstruction cannot happen without these voices on the ground.
Illia Djadi, an expert on security and religious freedom (Open Doors International). Member of Médias Ébène and the leadership of FOMECAF, a network of pan-African radio stations.
Médias Ébène: A unique mission to make a difference!
Ebène MediaTechnical support, guidance, and training: this is how the Médias Ébène association supports Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa. Today, this region faces major challenges, including the rise of religious extremism. In this context, Christian radio stations in Senegal, Mali, Chad, Benin, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon—through their impressive numbers—are raising a voice that can make a difference in the name of Jesus Christ!
Through their programming, these radio stations empower communities to respond appropriately to the spread of Islamism. They promote respectful understanding of others and raise awareness of the importance of a culture of peace in the face of ethnic and religious hostilities. They also contribute, through holistic radio, to the fight against poverty.
In Africa, radio is the medium par excellence. Encouraging, training, and bringing together those involved in the field requires a variety of forms of support. The hiring this spring of a full-time staff member to coordinate this network with local partners is a major undertaking. This will enable Médias Ébène to provide evangelical, Pentecostal, Methodist, and Reformed radio stations with the resources to nurture a hope rooted in Jesus Christ.
As a journalist, I have participated in training seminars. These provided an opportunity to offer presenters additional guidance on improving their on-air presence, raising awareness about fake news that distorts perceptions of reality, and introducing them to reporting and investigative journalism. These are all techniques that enable these individuals to be “salt and light” in a context marked by violence and destructive forces.
Thank you in advance for your help in developing this unique project!
Serge Carrel, pastor and journalist
DRC: Escalating ADF terror in Mambasa territory
French-speaking Africa, CongoThe province of Ituri, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is facing a security and humanitarian crisis of alarming proportions. Between March 28 and 31, 2026, rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) carried out a series of bloody raids, blocking major roads and plunging the Mambasa region into terror.
Casualties and mass abductions
The weekend of March 28–29 marked a turning point in the violence along the Mambasa–Komanda route. According to Radio Okapi, the attacks began in Babungwe before spreading to Lomalisa, where the assailants fired into the air to force villagers to surrender. Human rights activist John Vuleverio, quoted by the media outlet, cites the terrifying figure of 388 civilians taken hostage.
The horror does not end with the capture. Local sources cited by ituri.cd and CODEPEF report that “some victims were reportedly executed, their bodies left unburied at the scene” in the Bakwanza Forest. This situation has led to the closure of more than ten health facilities, depriving thousands of people of vital care.
A crippled economy and transportation system
On Monday, March 30, another attack struck the Mambasa–Bunia road near Muchanga. Laurent Kyeya, coordinator of CODEPEF (Convention for the Development of Forest Peoples), paints a picture of extreme gravity: “Of the seven chiefdoms in the Mambasa territory, the majority are currently under threat from ADF rebels. This insecurity is affecting several major road routes, notably Mambasa–Nduye, Mambasa–Kisangani, and Mambasa–Beni.”
As RFI points out, this strategy of terror is directly targeting road users and farmers. In the towns of Makokolo and Mandima, residents no longer dare to go to their fields, which is seriously jeopardizing agricultural production. The consequences are immediate: massive population displacements toward the center of Mambasa and a complete standstill of socioeconomic activities.
A Testimony to Resilience
When asked about this situation, Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, director of RTER (Radio Télé Évangile Réconciliation) in Nyakunde, delivers a message of strength and faith:
Calls for a major intervention
In response to the emergency, civil society and media outlets such as Yahoo News (AFP) are calling for large-scale military operations. “Protecting civilians is a fundamental obligation of the state,” insists John Vuleverio. While the territory’s assistant administrator, Colonel Maxime, calls for calm and assures that “military operations are continuing,” the population is waiting for tangible results to secure the roads and free the captives.
Solidarity: Médias Ébène offers its full support to the Christian radio stations that are members of FOMECAF and operate in the region, particularly RTER Radio in Nyakunde, which remains an indispensable beacon of hope amid the turmoil.
Latest Developments: Ransomware Extortion
According to an update from the RTCR on April 2, following the raid in Muchanga (on the Mambasa-Bunia road), the kidnappers have taken the horror to a new level. The rebels are now demanding a ransom of $10,000 to release some of the hostages captured on March 30. This financial blackmail deepens the despair of families already deprived of their livelihoods, as access to their fields has become impossible in Makokolo and Mandima.
Sources
Local and direct sources
Regulatory Authorities
National Broadcasting: The New Challenges Facing African FM Radio in Abidjan
French-speaking AfricaIn a special nationwide broadcast that transcends all religious divides, Emmanuel Ziehli speaks with four leading figures in the Ivorian media landscape. Joined byÉtienne Saï (CEFCA), Kassim Traoré (TV and Radio Hosanna), Niomouti Samuel (Radio Fréquence Vie), and Justin (Radio Nationale Catholique – RNC), he delivers an exclusive interview that brings together all faiths. A unique media event to address the country’s current challenges in a spirit of dialogue and brotherhood.
The "last-mile" medium
Despite the ubiquity of social media, radio remains the dominant medium in Africa. Why? Because it is the only medium capable of overcoming the barriers of illiteracy and reaching even the most isolated settlements. As Emmanuel Ziehli points out, it is not merely a receiver of sounds; it is a “traveling companion” that speaks directly to the listener’s heart and mind, where other screens fall silent.
Professionalism and Ethics: The Challenge of Quality
One of the key messages from the Abidjan seminar is the call for greater professionalism. According to our guest contributor, commitment must not come at the expense of competence.
The Digital Shift: The Convergence of FM and the Web
The seminar also addresses technological change. Far from being at odds with the Internet, African radio today relies on digital technology to expand its reach. Podcasts, streaming, and social media are becoming allies of FM radio, helping it reach a hyper-connected youth audience without neglecting its traditional listeners.
North-South Synergy for Tomorrow
FOMECAF 2026 is not just a place for learning; it is a space for sharing. The combination of technical expertise and the realities on the ground in Africa creates a unique dynamic. The ultimate goal? For every radio station to become a true driver of local development, addressing issues of health, agriculture, and citizenship with a strong and credible voice.
Live from the field: Meeting with Radio Moisson Finale in Notsé (Togo)
French-speaking Africa, TogoThe last stop on our multi-day mission in Togo was the town of Notsé, located 100 km north of the capital, Lomé. It was here that we met with the teams from Radio Moisson Finale.
Working closely with teams and listeners This field visit provided an opportunity for rich and constructive discussions. We were able to talk with management and the technical and journalistic teams who keep the station running on a daily basis.
In order to better measure the impact of radio in the region, we also assembled a panel of listeners. Their valuable testimonials gave us a concrete understanding of the essential role that Moisson Finale plays in their everyday lives.
Concrete support for the future To acknowledge the work accomplished and encourage the teams to continue their development, we didn't leave empty-handed: we were delighted to present them with studio equipment. A little technical help to continue producing quality programs!
Live from the field: Radio Albarka, a Christian beacon in Islamic lands
French-speaking Africa, TogoIn the heart of central Togo, the city of Sokodé stands out for its strong identity: a major commercial hub, it is also one of the country's main centers of Islam. It was in this unique geographical and religious context that the FOMECAF and Médias Ébène delegation stopped off to support Radio Albarka.
Greeted with exceptional warmth by Elisabeth Koudjoukalo, the station's director, and her entire team (journalists, technicians), the emissaries were able to witness the resilience of this media outlet. Operating in a radio landscape dominated by Muslim religious stations, Albarka stands out for the quality of its programs and its message of peace.
However, running the radio station on a daily basis remains a struggle. Between an unreliable power supply and the burden of broadcasting taxes, there are many obstacles. Nevertheless, thanks to Elisabeth's rigorous and visionary management, the station is holding its own. To support this momentum, the delegation donated a new mixing desk, which is vital equipment for modernizing the studio and ensuring the continuity of broadcasts.
Radio Albarka proves that with determination and sound management, a Christian media outlet can not only survive, but thrive in French-speaking Africa.