Actively involved in defending religious freedom in Africa, Illia Djadi was in French-speaking Switzerland this week to prepare for the third meeting of journalists and radio presenters, which will be held in Lomé from November 23 to 27 under the auspices of Radio Réveil in Bevaix (Switzerland). The journalist, formerly with the BBC, reveals some of the key points of his speech here: the importance of promoting peaceful coexistence between ethnic and religious communities. Interview.

An interview with Serge Carrel, published on theFREE website

Illia Djadi, you will be arguing in Lomé 3 the importance of developing programs on evangelical radio stations in French-speaking Africa that address living together. Why?

This is a topical issue that is particularly relevant today given the situation in all countries in the sub-region. Whether in Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso or elsewhere, peaceful coexistence is under threat. This is mainly due to the emergence of jihadist movements... Yes. Jihadist movements are active throughout this part of the southern Sahara. They threaten the very existence of countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. These armed groups are attempting to divide communities along ethnic or religious lines. For hundreds of years, these religious communities have learned to live together, despite localized conflicts.

How can churches play a role in combating the trend toward Islamization that we are seeing in French-speaking Africa?

In French-speaking Africa, churches and radio stations affiliated with them are major players on the social scene. Churches are involved in the education of children and young people; they are involved in social development and construction projects, as well as in health centers. Today, we realize that the existence of these churches is threatened because Christians themselves are threatened. Hence the responsibility of churches to take a stand as social actors so that something happens.

In concrete terms, what role can evangelical radio stations play? Given the importance of radio in Africa, producing programs that raise awareness about living together and social cohesion is fundamental. Do you have any examples where radio has played an important role in promoting a culture of tolerance between communities?

In Niger, my country of origin, following the events at Charlie Hebdo in Paris in January 2015, around a hundred churches and buildings belonging to Christians were ransacked and destroyed. Following this event, there was a reawakening of consciousness, to the point where the main leaders of the religious communities, notably Protestants, Catholics, and Muslims, could be seen together on the same radio or television program. By simply coming together, they sent a strong message to the entire population. They were able to say: "We are united. What happened was an unfortunate and isolated incident. It is not representative of Islam. The majority of Muslims do not identify with these acts of violence. With one voice, we reject and condemn what happened!"

Any other examples worth mentioning where radio helped to defuse a situation?

In Burkina Faso, thanks to radio stations that broadcast programs in all local languages, it is possible to send messages to different communities, whether they are Mossi or Fulani, to draw their attention to the danger threatening this country known for its culture of tolerance. In practical terms, a Christian radio station can invite an imam into its studio from time to time. This is already a powerful symbol of acceptance of others and acceptance of their differences. Theological teaching is also needed so that local Christians understand that persecution is an integral part of Christian life...

But isn't this already retreating in the face of the emergence of these violent movements?

No, it is first and foremost a matter of awareness, so that we can respond appropriately in such a context. Persecution can take many forms. Today, we realize that it arises from Islamic fundamentalism and attacks perpetrated by extremist groups. In such a context, burying our heads in the sand is not enough. We must offer a counter-narrative based on the love that Christ invites us to show to our neighbor, including our enemy. Such a counter-narrative is capable of counteracting the hate speech of Islamists, because people are sensitive to gestures of love, acts of love, and discourse that promotes tolerance. We must therefore produce programs that, as the Lomé 2 conference highlighted in 2019, develop a holistic message, one that takes into account the realities and challenges facing society and the churches today, and responds to them.