The French Institute's Cinémathèque Afrique is launching a tour in Cameroon entitled "Cinémathèque Afrique in Cameroon – Journey to the Heart of African Film Heritage," from June 10 to 13, 2025, in partnership with Cinéma Numérique Ambulant (CNA).

The aim of this event is to showcase the richness and diversity of African and Cameroonian film heritage through several initiatives: outdoor film screenings open to the general public, conferences on African cinema, and a number of local cultural events.

The Cinémathèque Afrique on the roads of Cameroon, closer to its audiences

The tour will kick off at the French Institute of Cameroon in Douala, then travel to the cities of Dibombari and Kribi, where outdoor screenings of African films, including Cameroonian films, will take place at iconic locations such as the esplanade of the Maison de la Culture in Dimbombari and Ngoyé beach in Kribi.

Africa in pictures: the Cinémathèque Afrique along Cameroon's roads and stories from the continent

Through this initiative, Cinémathèque Afrique and Cinéma Numérique Ambulant are reaching out to diverse audiences, from urban neighborhoods to rural communities, to bring them together around African cinema in an inclusive and participatory approach.  The Cameroonian public will thus be able to (re)discover iconic works such as La vie est belleby Mwezé Ngangura and Benoît Lamy, Le ballon d'orby Cheik Doukouré, Bal Poussière by Henri Duparc, and Akissi by Alexandre Coste, an animated adaptation of Marguerite Abouet's comic book.

Four Cameroonian films will also be featured, including Angles byFrank Thierry, Lea Malle, Ngoungoure by AïssatouNjayou, and Wallsby Narcisse Wandji.

An educational, cultural, and civic initiative educational, cultural, and civic initiative

In addition to screenings of African and Cameroonian films, Cinémathèque Afrique and Cinéma Numérique Ambulant also organize dedicated events and discussions to encourage collective reflection on images, storytelling, and memory. This initiative is part of an inclusive cultural and educational approach aimed at raising awareness among different Cameroonian communities of the richness of Africa's cinematic heritage and strengthening critical education in the visual arts. 

The Cinémathèque Afrique: a film heritage closer to its various audiences

With more than 1,800 films from 45 countries, Cinémathèque Afrique has one of the world's richest collections of African cinema, spanning from the 1950s to the present day. Its catalog includes short and feature films, animated films, documentaries, and archives. This unique heritage, representing more than a thousand filmmakers, reflects the diversity of artistic perspectives on Africa and the cultural ties forged between the younger generations of Cameroonians and Africans and their cinematic heritage.

This initiative in Cameroon is fully in line with the mission of Cinémathèque Afrique to preserve, promote, and disseminate Africa's audiovisual heritage, particularly among younger generations.

Image caption: Timothée Tsomana, center, wearing a red tie, with FOMECAF leaders.

Lomé, Togo, May 8, 2025. It is with deep sadness that we learned on May 8 of the death of our colleague and friend Timothée Tsomana. This loss is all the more painful as it comes only twenty days after that of his wife Esther, who passed away on April 18 at the Tokoin University Hospital. The couple leaves behind two teenage daughters, aged 12 and 15, to whom we extend our deepest sympathy and compassion.

We had the privilege of working alongside Timothée during training and capacity-building seminars organized in Lomé between 2019 and 2024. As the dynamic director of the MédiaAfrique media school, a project he took over after the IBRA radio initiative, he brought new energy to the field of training. Several members of the Médias Ébène association had the opportunity to participate as guest lecturers at this school during numerous sessions.

In addition, Timothée had generously agreed to help supervise the Forum des Médias Chrétiens d’Afrique Francophone (FOMECAF), a commitment he reaffirmed last December despite his departure from MédiaAfrique.

The Board of Directors of the Médias Ébène association extends its deepest condolences to his daughters and family, who are going through a very difficult time. May his memory live on in the projects he helped build and may he continue to inspire those who knew him.

From March 18 to 21, 2025, Gloria Radio organized a radio production training course for its staff at the Gloria Center. This initiative, led by Mr. Justin MVONDO and Ms. Marie Angéline NOUTCHONG, aimed to improve the quality of broadcasts and prepare for the launch of Gloria Radio's programs. Participants benefited from a variety of modules, ranging from program design to studio management and digital marketing.

Contribution from Médias Ébène

Emmanuel Ziehli, from the Médias Ébène association, played an important role by presenting a module on radio program marketing. Speaking via videoconference from Switzerland, he emphasized the importance of social media in amplifying radio's message and recommended creating pages on various platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. His advice was essential for integrating an effective digital strategy, thereby ensuring greater visibility and interaction with the community.

Recommendations and Outlook

The training concluded with recommendations aimed at strengthening Gloria Radio's capabilities. Mr. Justin MVONDO emphasized the importance of writing a final training report and continuing support from partners. Participants expressed their satisfaction and enthusiasm for the skills they had acquired, ready to put them into practice to produce high-quality, competitive content.

Gloria Radio is now well equipped to offer attractive and professional programs, thanks to this enriching training and the significant contributions of all those involved.

Discover the radio's mast section

As African leaders recently gathered in Addis Ababa for the African Union summit, the continent is engulfed in a growing security crisis that has gone largely unnoticed in Western media. From the Sahel to Sudan, violence, insurgencies, and instability are pushing millions of people to the brink. This is a situation that the West can no longer afford to ignore, not only out of moral duty, but also out of long-term strategic interest. Analysis by Illia Djadi, member of the FOMECAF leadership and senior analyst for the NGO Open Doors in London.

An alarming escalation of violence

The spread of conflict across Africa has reached alarming proportions. West and Central Africa have become hotbeds of violence, with a marked increase in Islamist insurgencies and terrorist activities. The Sahel is now the new epicenter of global terrorism, with jihadist groups taking advantage of weak states, porous borders, and local grievances to expand their influence. Countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are in turmoil, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence.

Ignored humanitarian crises

This rise in conflict has triggered devastating humanitarian crises, particularly in Nigeria, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Millions of people have been displaced, and thousands have been killed in brutal conflicts. Refugee camps are overflowing, human rights violations are rampant, and humanitarian aid organizations are overwhelmed by the scale of the needs. Yet despite this immense human suffering, the crisis is barely on the radar of Western policymakers.

Millions of people have been displaced, thousands killed in brutal conflicts. Refugee camps are overflowing, human rights violations are rampant, and humanitarian aid organizations are overwhelmed by the scale of the needs. Yet despite this immense human suffering, the crisis is barely on the radar of Western policymakers.

Illia Djadi

The deep roots of instability

At the heart of this instability lie poor governance and fragile states. Across the continent, weak governments are unable to provide basic services or ensure the security of their populations. Corruption, internal political struggles, and the erosion of democratic norms have left citizens vulnerable and disillusioned. This governance vacuum has allowed insurgent groups to take root, exploiting local frustrations to recruit and expand their reach.

When Islamist extremism took hold in Syria and Iraq starting in 2013, the West reacted quickly and decisively. Today, as Islamist caliphates are establishing themselves in Africa, there seems to be little eagerness to intervene to prevent them.

And now, an additional concern is looming. The United States, for example, has suggested that it may reduce USAID assistance. This would be catastrophic for millions of vulnerable people. Humanitarian aid not only saves lives, it helps stabilize fragile regions by providing education, healthcare, and food security—essential tools for preventing radicalization. Without this support, the risk of violent extremism will increase significantly.

Malian soldiers in Gao in 2013

The importance of a proactive Western response

The West must recognize that the African crisis is not secondary to others, such as the wars in Ukraine and Gaza—it has direct implications for global security and stability. Instability in Africa fuels human and drug trafficking networks that often lead directly to Europe. Moreover, as violence drives more people from their homes, migratory pressures on Europe will inevitably increase. Ignoring the root causes of these crises will only create a new wave of migration, which Western governments are desperately trying to control.

The West must move beyond rhetoric and engage in long-term partnerships that strengthen African initiatives aimed at addressing security, governance, and development challenges.

Illia Djadi

There is still an opportunity for meaningful engagement. The African Union summit provides a platform for African leaders to chart a path toward peace and stability, but they cannot succeed without international support. The West must move beyond rhetoric and engage in long-term partnerships that reinforce African initiatives aimed at resolving challenges in security, governance, and development.

Towards a comprehensive and inclusive strategy

A comprehensive strategy is urgently needed, including diplomatic engagement, development aid, and security assistance. The West should invest in strengthening institutions, support democratic transitions, and promote inclusive economic growth. It is equally crucial to commit to addressing the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and climate change.

Ignoring the crisis in Africa is no longer an option. The cost of inaction will be measured not only in human suffering, but also in global instability. The West must seize this opportunity to support African solutions to African problems. A stable and prosperous Africa is in everyone's interest.

Looking ahead, it is essential to consider how each of us can contribute. Supporting reliable humanitarian organizations, advocating for continued international aid, and staying informed about the situation are concrete actions that can lead to positive change. Addressing these challenges is not just a matter of helping Africa; it is working toward a safer and more equitable world for all.

Text freely adapted from the original English version published on February 19, 2025, in The Tablet under the title "The forgotten crises in Africa," with thanks.