French-speaking Africa

Francophone Africa refers to all African countries that share the French language. This includes more than 18 contiguous countries where French is used as an official and/or lingua franca. These countries span a vast territory, covering nearly half of the African continent—approximately 5,000 kilometers from north to south and about 4,000 kilometers from east to west (from Tangier in northern Morocco to Lubumbashi in the southern DRC). In 2018, the number of African Francophones in 31 countries and territories of Francophone Africa was estimated at approximately 140 million. French arrived in Africa with colonization by France and Belgium, and these African Francophones now make up the largest part of the Francophonie. Feel free to reach out if you need more information! 😊

Emmanuel Ziehli's Studio in Abidjan

2026: Building the Future of African Christian Media

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The year 2026 is off to a strong start. The success of the recent seminar in Abidjan 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 day-to-day 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 more than €100,000. This amount, which does not include our correspondent’s salary, is vital 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 affected communities. His employment in Switzerland is secured by the SMG in Winterthur, but his salary is not yet fully covered. Your direct support is therefore crucial to the mission.

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Illia Djadi

Facing the Caliphate: The Ordeal of Religious Minorities in Africa

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 bulwark 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 is being shattered by ethnic and religious divisions that are being deliberately exacerbated. Christian communities are prime targets, faced with the tragic choice between forced conversion and 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 minority populations, 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 downward spiral, a fundamental overhaul of foreign policies is urgently needed. A comprehensive approach must rely on local faith-based organizations and their community-based media. Thanks to their deep social roots, these actors are indispensable pillars for information, education, and community mediation. Sustainable reconstruction cannot take place without these voices on the ground.

Illia Djadi, 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.

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DRC: Escalating ADF Terror in Mambasa Territory

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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 raids began in Babungwe before moving on to Lomalisa, where the attackers fired into the air to force villagers to surrender. Human rights activist John Vuleverio, quoted by the media outlet, cited 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 Paralyzed Economy and Mobility

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 an extremely grim picture: “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 directly targets 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 total paralysis 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 amid 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 large-scale intervention

In light of 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, is calling for calm and assuring the public 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.

New Developments: Ransomware Extortion

According to an update from the RTCR on April 2, following the incursion into 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 is deepening 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
  • 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): 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.
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Photos taken after a broadcast featuring three radio stations—Catholic and Evangelical—in Abidjan

National Broadcasting: New Challenges for African FM Radio in Abidjan

As part of 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 gives an exclusive interview that brings together all faiths. This unique media event addresses 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 that can overcome the barriers of illiteracy and reach 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 this seminar in Abidjan is the call for greater professionalism. According to the editorial guest, commitment must not come at the expense of competence.

  • Moving Beyond Amateurism: Producing Rigorous, Verified Content.
  • 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 an ultra-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.

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The final stop on our multi-day mission to Togo: the city of Notsé, located 100 km north of the capital, Lomé. It was here that we met with the teams from Moisson Finale Radio.

Live from the Field: Meeting with Radio “Moisson Finale” in Notsé (Togo)

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The final stop on our multi-day mission to Togo: the city of Notsé, located 100 km north of the capital, Lomé. It was here that we met with the teams from Moisson Finale Radio.

Working Closely with the Teams and Listeners This on-site visit provided an opportunity for fruitful and constructive discussions. We were able to speak with management and the technical and editorial teams who keep the station running on a daily basis.

To better gauge the impact of radio in the region, we also brought together a panel of listeners. Their valuable insights helped us gain a concrete understanding of the vital role Moisson Finale plays in their daily lives.

Tangible Support for the Future To recognize the work they’ve done and encourage the teams to continue growing, we weren’t going to leave empty-handed: we were delighted to present them with studio equipment. A little technical boost to help them keep producing high-quality shows!

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Radio Albarka Sokodé

Live from the Field: Radio Albarka, a Christian Beacon in a Muslim Land

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Located 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 principal centers of Islam. It was in this unique geographical and religious context that the delegation from FOMECAF and Médias Ébène made a stop to support Radio Albarka.

Welcomed with exceptional warmth by Elisabeth Koudjoukalo, the station’s director, and her entire team (journalists and technicians), the delegates 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 programming and its message of peace.

Day-to-day operations at the radio station, however, remain a struggle. Between an unreliable power supply and the burden of broadcasting taxes, the obstacles are numerous. Yet, thanks to Elisabeth’s rigorous and visionary leadership, the station is holding its own. To support this momentum, the delegation presented the station with a new mixing console—equipment that is vital for modernizing the studio and ensuring the station’s long-term viability.

Radio Albarka proves that with determination and sound management, a Christian media outlet can not only survive but also have a lasting impact in French-speaking Africa.

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Live from the Field: Radio Réveil in Bassar (Togo)

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A delegation from FOMECAF and Médias Ébène paid a strategic visit to Radio Réveil in Bassar, Togo. While the sadness over the founder’s passing remains, the focus was firmly on the future and the long-term sustainability of this essential communication tool.

The highlight of this mission was the upgrade of the station’s equipment. A crucial donation—including a new mixing console—was presented to the technical team. This modern equipment is intended to ensure better broadcast quality and guarantee uninterrupted signal transmission for listeners in the region.

At the same time, an in-depth assessment of the radio station’s “health” was conducted. Experts analyzed the programming schedule and the quality of the content. The findings are encouraging: the radio station enjoys exceptional social vitality. The testimony of a Muslim teacher, now a regular contributor to the programs, perfectly illustrates the station’s editorial success: it has succeeded in becoming a civic-minded and inclusive media outlet.

This visit, which focused on both technical and human aspects, confirms that Radio Réveil, despite the challenges it has faced, has what it takes to continue its mission of public service and social cohesion in Togo.

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A special webinar will be held on Friday, February 13. This strategic event will bring together key players in the broadcasting industry to explore a timely topic: “AI: A Driver of Growth for Local Radio.”

World Radio Day: French-Language Radio Stations in Africa in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

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Pontarlier, February 9, 2026 – At the initiative of FOMECAF (Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa), and in observance of World Radio Day, a special webinar will be held on Friday, February 13. This strategic event will bring together key players in the broadcasting industry to explore a timely topic: “AI: A Driver of Development for Community Radio.”

AI: An Assistant, Not a Replacement
Far from the fears that journalists will be replaced by robots, this conference aims to demonstrate how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can become a strategic ally for African broadcasters. In the face of technical, financial, and infrastructure challenges, AI offers concrete solutions to free up editorial time and improve audio quality.

Two Experts for a 360° Perspective
To guide this discussion, FOMECAF brings together two complementary perspectives:

Jonathan Darboux (Benin): Specialist in technological solutions for the African context. He will discuss the tools available to optimize production, even with low bandwidth.
Emmanuel Ziehli (Switzerland): International media expert. He will share his insights on preserving ethics and human warmth. In particular, he will discuss the experience of the Swiss radio station Couleur 3, illustrating why editorial and legal responsibility must remain fundamentally human.

“AI should not be viewed as a Western import, but as an opportunity to better serve local listeners by converting speech to text and noise into crystal-clear sound,” emphasizes Mawuéna Abotchi, permanent secretary of FOMECAF, the event’s organizer.

Highlights (non-exhaustive list): Practical solutions for the field
The webinar will feature practical case studies tailored to the realities of African radio stations:

Transcript: To convert broadcasts into web articles or archive oral history without tedious manual data entry.

Local News Reporting: AI as an Assistant for Organizing Local News Briefs and Prioritizing Information Gathered in the Field.

Technical Support for Malfunctions: Use AI models to diagnose hardware issues (transmitters, consoles) when the engineer is not on site.

Translation: Switch from French to national/local languages to strengthen the station’s community ties.

Practical Information
Date: Friday, February 13, 2026
Time: 2:00 p.m. GMT
Location: Online (Webinar)
Free registration: https://bit.ly/4rKu5UF

Press Contact: FOMECAF Mawuéna Abotchi, Permanent Secretary fomecaf@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +228 92 48 20 78

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As part of its program to support radio stations in French-speaking Africa, Médias Ébène conducted an inspection visit and delivered specialized equipment to Radio Missionnaire de Kara.

Live from the Field: A Visit to Kara (Togo)

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Médias Ébène's reach is built on two strategic pillars:

  • Training: As demonstrated by our recent national seminar in Abidjan (Ivory Coast), we are strengthening the skills of communications professionals.
  • Technical and Logistical Support: We support religious radio stations in French-speaking Africa by providing them with specialized equipment.

In late 2025, a container loaded with studio and FM equipment arrived in Lomé. Shortly thereafter, our teams traveled throughout northern Togo to support four FOMECAF partner radio stations. Take a look at photos from our first stop at Radio Missionnaire de Kara.

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FOMECAF Seminar, Abidjan 2026: Ivorian Religious Media, a Bulwark Against Radicalism

ABIDJAN, February 1, 2026 – The curtain has fallen on a landmark event for the faith-based media landscape. After three days of intense discussions at the Center for Audiovisual Training and Communication (CEFCA), the Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF) concluded its national seminar. Held under the theme “Resilience and Responsibility of Christian Media in the Face of Radicalism,” this strategic gathering lived up to all expectations in terms of engagement and professional expertise.

A large-scale national mobilization

The seminar confirmed FOMECAF’s strong regional presence, with figures that underscore the urgency of the issues addressed:

  • 57 participants (including 13 women and 44 men) from 24 Christian media outlets.
  • Seven cities in Côte d’Ivoire are participating: Abidjan, Abengourou, Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, Aboisso, Korhogo, and Bonoua.

7 trainers with both national and international expertise to oversee the work.

Strong Voices for a Peace Mission

FOMECAF’s commitment to lasting peace was underscored by high-level speeches. The official opening was marked by the presence of Ms. Odette N’Zi, Third Deputy Mayor of Cocody, representing Mayor Jean-Marc Yacé.

  • Industry leaders reaffirmed their shared vision during the sessions:
  • Ms. Olivia Beugré, Chair of the FOMECAF Executive Committee.
  • Mr. Emmanuel Ziehli, President of Médias Ébène and the event’s main partner.
  • Prof. Abdoulaye Sangho, Chair of the Organizing Committee.
  • Mr. Germain Coulibaly, Executive Director of CEFCA.

The keynote speaker, Illia Djadi, an analyst at the NGO Open Doors, captivated the audience with his analysis of the rise of extremism in the Sahel, emphasizing the crucial role of Christian media in preventing radicalization.

Practical, action-oriented workshops

Four training centers helped transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills:

  • Media Management: Strategies for Securing Funding, with Denis Steffen.
  • Journalism & AI: Combating Misinformation and Integrating Artificial Intelligence, with Emmanuel Ziehli, Mawuéna Abotchi, and Joël Kokou Djagbavi.
  • Sound Engineering: Sound Recording and Optimization, directed by Andrea Luzi.
  • FM Broadcasting: Technical Expertise and Broadcast Quality, with Honoré Chabi Boni.

A New Roadmap for Communicators

The study resulted in strategic recommendations for the future of faith-based media in Côte d’Ivoire:

  • Unity of Action: Creating digital platforms to promote coordinated action among professionals.
  • Technological Shift: Responsible Integration of AI and Strategic Development of Podcasts to Expand the Audience.
  • Ethics and Vigilance: A Strengthened Commitment to Combating Hate Speech and Misinformation.

“Abidjan 2026 is not just a closing ceremony; it is the consolidation of a community of communicators determined to make every microphone and every pen an instrument of social cohesion and stability for the nation.”

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