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! 😊

Repairing radios, providing training, and building lives: Impact in 2025

Thanks to you, 2025 marks a turning point where missionary zeal and logistical support have come together to serve the Gospel. Your support has enabled us to carry out our work on two fronts: ongoing technical monitoring and a strategic presence in the field.

From our base, the connection has never been broken. With more than 2,000 messages and 1,000 calls, we have supported more than 50 contacts. Troubleshooting and real-time advice have helped stations from Burkina Faso to the far reaches of the DRC. Your support transforms this technical assistance into a lifeline for these isolated radio stations, ensuring that the voice of the Gospel does not fall silent due to a lack of maintenance.

On the ground, the impact is tangible. Our missions have taken us from the Kigali conference (180 key stakeholders) to the realities of the Congo and Niger, as represented by delegates who came to Rwanda. A highlight this December: our presence in Lomé. In addition to the editorial seminar and six visits to radio stations, the arrival of a container of audio equipment represents a major step forward. This technical treasure, a donation from a major French commercial radio station, will equip about twenty radio stations.

Caption: From left to right: Christian Gaspoz of Médias Ébène, Sabine Mussard of Fréquence Oasis La Réunion, Emmanuel Ziehli, and Denis Steffen of Médias Ébène at the Kigali seminar in November 2025.

The results of this collaboration are tangible: 50 technicians trained in maintenance and 200 producers equipped to better proclaim the Word. We have also supported the emergence of new projects, from Guinea to Chad, responding to the call from areas still in “radio silence.” Beyond the numbers, life is flourishing: in Bukavu, the restored radio station is resuming its mission; in the Central African Republic, a construction foreman found faith while listening to Radio Sinaï.

Every bolt we tighten is a spiritual victory we share with you. Thank you for helping millions of souls hear the Good News.

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Jean-Luc Simabalayo

Radio, the Last Bastion of Freedom and Hope

Last October in Kigali, Rwanda, the Médias Ebène office participated in the continental seminar “Africa by Radio” (AbR), the English-speaking counterpart to the Francophone African Christian Media Forum (FOMECAF), which our association launched in 2019. We played a central role in organizing the event, inviting key stakeholders, and moderating panel discussions.

The choice of Rwanda, a neighbor to the east of the Congo, made it possible to welcome participants from Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These provinces are being violently shaken by armed rebel groups (M23, ADF), where insecurity and extremism threaten peace and democratic expression. The consequences are severe: massive displacement and human rights violations.

Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, Christian radio stations continue to serve as beacons of hope and resilience. Three Congolese radio stations embody this light and were present in Kigali: Radio Télé Réconciliation from Nyankunde (with Jean-Luc Simbilyabo), Radio Sola Deo Gloria from Bunyakiri (with Floribert Kikwabantu), and Radio Ebène from Bukavu Chaï (with Blaise Wemba).

Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, from Ituri, had already been awarded the François Sergy Prize at FOMECAF 2020 in Lomé for his “integral radio” project. More recently, his station has managed to survive by striking compromises with armed groups. His account is poignant: he welcomed men onto the radio show knowing that they had committed murders that very morning.

As the year draws to a close, the association would like to honor these true heroes, who embody the values of the Kingdom of God (justice, peace, faith, and dedication). Their commitment is an inspiration, for their presence carries a message of light to places where darkness reigns.

In Kigali, we also had the joy of reuniting with friends from Niger and Mali, whose situation remains just as precarious. To all these peacemakers and messengers of the good news, we extend our gratitude and our prayers.

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Christian Media: Médias Ébène and FOMECAF Join Forces in Abidjan to Train Peacebuilders

Médias Ébène and FOMECAF Join Forces in Abidjan to Train Peacebuilders

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – The faith-based media landscape in French-speaking Africa is set to experience a major event in late January 2026. The Forum of Christian Media in French-Speaking Africa (FOMECAF) will hold its National Seminar in Abidjan, with the active support of Médias Ébène. After dedicating 2025 to technical infrastructure, the Swiss organization is kicking off 2026 with a focus on building skills and strengthening ties.

A strategic event is taking shape at CEFCA in Abidjan. From January 28 to 30, 2026, decision-makers and media professionals will gather to discuss a central theme: “Resilience and Responsibility: The Strategic Role of Christian Media in Francophone Africa in Combating Radicalism, Promoting Peace, and Strengthening Social Cohesion.”

From Equipment to Training: The Turning Point of 2026

For Médias Ébène, this seminar marks a significant shift in its work on the continent. After dedicating 2025 to numerous technical projects—including the provision, repair, and installation of radios—the organization is starting this new year by focusing on human capital.

The goal is clear: to build the capacity of local stakeholders and forge strong ties between the various stations. “Médias Ebène commends FOMECAF’s initiative and is delighted that it will have a tangible impact for the benefit of Ivorian faith-based media,” the organization states, reaffirming its commitment to contributing to the growth of a credible and responsible press.

International Expertise for the Workshops

To fulfill this commitment, Médias Ébène is sending a delegation of three seasoned experts to Abidjan to lead technical workshops in the afternoon, complementing the morning plenary sessions reserved for decision-makers. These sessions will focus on the essential pillars of a modern media organization:

Denis Steffen will speak on content management, programming, and radio station administration.

Andrea Luzi will contribute his expertise in studio technology and sound quality optimization.

Emmanuel Ziehli will discuss contemporary challenges: marketing, the use of artificial intelligence, and securing funding.

A Two-Pronged Challenge: Strategic and Operational

The seminar, organized by FOMECAF, aims to address two distinct needs. The mornings will be dedicated to decision-makers (developers, directors, marketing managers) to address macro-strategic issues: viable business models, regulation, and industry challenges.

In the afternoons, the focus shifts to hands-on training. Media professionals (journalists, broadcasters, technicians) will participate in practical workshops to hone their skills. This dual-track approach aims to improve the editorial, technical, and managerial quality of media outlets.

Through this event, FOMECAF and Médias Ébène reaffirm their shared mission: to organize and connect Christian media outlets so that they may continue to serve as vehicles for social stability, peace, and “living together” in French-speaking Africa.

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In Memoriam: Djamba Albert Watto (1941–2026)

It is with deep sadness that we learn, at the start of this new year, of the passing of our dear friend and brother, Albert Watto.

An iconic figure in our mission, Albert served with dedication as a member of the Board of Directors of Radios Ébène Développement, one of the founding entities of Médias Ébène. His unwavering commitment was to be formally recognized at our General Assembly on March 15, when he was to be named Honorary President of our association.

A pioneer and tireless advocate for Christian media in French-speaking Africa, he has left us a precious legacy. As early as 1977, alongside Charles Guillot, he launched holistic and innovative program formats specifically designed to resonate with the realities of African listeners.

To honor his memory and his work, we are republishing today the tribute written by Charles Guillot about his friend and fellow traveler. The full text of this document is available in PDF format at the bottom of this page.

After arriving in France in January 1976, having previously worked as an elementary school teacher in Congo-Kinshasa (Zaire), Djamba Albert Watto was driven by a desire to serve the Lord. He quickly became involved in missionary circles, attending the Nation Evangelical Church alongside Alain Choiquier and collaborating with the teams at Radio Cordac.

Collaboration and Friendship with Charles Guillot

His pivotal meeting with Charles Guillot in 1977, at the Cévennes Christian Convention, led to a fruitful collaboration. They first conceived “Radios Villages,” an innovative project aimed at reaching rural communities through storytelling, music, and practical topics. However, the project failed due to the conservatism of the time, which rejected programs that did not consist strictly of biblical teachings.

Far from giving up, they launched “The Challenge of Africa,” produced by TWR. This program stands out for its humanistic approach: since it cannot distribute material aid, the show offers advice and guidance to listeners in need. Recorded over a five-year period at a Baptist church in Paris and in studios in Monaco, the program is broadcast by more than 50 stations. Its success is based on the concept of “an African speaking to Africans,” using proverbs and skits to ground the biblical message in cultural reality.

Albert Watto, Trainer

In terms of training, Watto identified a critical need among pastors of immigrant churches: a lack of theological grounding. He therefore established the DEPAF (African Department of Missiology) at the Nogent-sur-Marne Bible Institute. For 17 years, this institution offered Saturday classes to enhance the professionalism of pastoral ministry. This vision later evolved with the creation of the Afro-Caribbean Baptist Institute (IBAC) in Le Blanc-Mesnil, founded in partnership with Pastor Luc Saint Louis.

From left to right: Mawuena Abotchi and Juliette Kpessou, members of the FOMECAF leadership, Albert Watto and his son Odingha, in August 2024 at the International Conference of the Entente et Coordination des Œuvres Chrétiennes (ECOC) in Cotonou.

Finally, to bring these scattered communities together, he established ECOCE (Entente et Coordination des Œuvres Chrétiennes), which today unites 70 churches in a spiritual fellowship. He also continues his work as vice president of the board of directors of Radios Ebène Développement.

Read Charles Guillot’s account of Albert Watto (PDF):

Tribute to Djamba Albert WattoDownload
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AbR Continental Seminar, Kigali 2025

Kigali 2025: Médias Ébène Out in Force

Kigali 2025: A Gathering for Christian Media in Africa – In October 2025, Rwanda’s capital will host a major event for African Christian media. This gathering will bring together professionals from across the continent and beyond. Together, they will reflect, receive training, and encourage one another in their mission: to share the Good News through the media. Médias Ébène will participate in this seminar by sending several representatives who will contribute to the event’s success through their presentations. The association will also support the participation of delegates by covering the travel expenses of representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Togo, and Cameroon.

Spiritual preparation and fraternal unity

The Médias Ébène office and the FOMECAF secretary will be in Kigali from October 14 to 24. These meetings are highly anticipated. Indeed, many people who have been interacting online and on social media for a long time will have the opportunity to meet in person. These virtual connections will then become very real, brotherly bonds.

These days will feature a mix of workshops, seminars, and times of fellowship in both French and English. Participants will seek not only to improve their skills but also to strengthen the quality of their relationships with one another. After all, Christian media ministry depends as much on willing hearts as it does on technical skills.

A Spotlight on Training

In the lead-up to the continental conference, a training-of-trainers program will be held from October 14 to 18, 2025. Led by facilitators from Cameroon, Benin, and the United States, the program will aim to unlock each participant’s educational potential in order to amplify the impact of media initiatives.

Going forward, a network of media trainers will come together to support and empower the next generation through coordinated and sustainable initiatives.

Kigali AbR Seminar on Training of Trainers

Two seminars for English speakers

For English-speaking participants, a seminar titled“From Concept to On-The-Air” will offer comprehensive training in programming, production, management, and sustainability in radio and video media.

A second, more technical seminar, titled“From the Mic to the Antenna,” will cover the steps required to set up and operate a radio station, from the microphone to the antenna.

The Continental Convention

The highlight of this event, the ABR Media Continental Convention, will take place from October 21 to 23, 2025. The rich and varied program will address topics that are crucial to our times.

Following an opening session focused on the persecution of Christians, the role of young people in Africa will be discussed. Contemporary challenges, such as artificial intelligence (presented by the president of Médias Ébène) and pornography on social media, will be addressed clearly.

Leadership in times of rapid change and addressing local realities will also be a central theme. Participants will leave with practical tools for their work.

Open and constructive discussions will allow everyone to come up with concrete ideas for improving their media work. A visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial is also planned. This moment of reflection will highlight the importance of reconciliation and bearing witness.

A spiritual work, above all else

Beyond the programs and schedules, the success of such a gathering depends on prayer and the preparation of hearts. Human initiatives bear fruit through God’s presence and the work of His Spirit.

Let us pray that the participants will leave with new skills, but above all with a renewed sense of their mission. “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes from the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).

Every Christian media outlet thus has a mission to make the Word heard and accessible even in the most remote corners of the continent.

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DRC – Irumu Territory in Ituri: Massacre in Komanda

Catholic community targeted: At least 40 civilians killed in an attack attributed to the ADF

July 27, 2025

The town of Komanda, located in the Basili chiefdom in Irumu territory (about 75 km from Bunia, Ituri Province, DRC), was the scene of a massacre on the night of July 26–27, 2025. This deadly attack, attributed to Ugandan rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), left more than forty civilians dead, with several people still missing.

The heavily armed assailants entered the town simultaneously from four neighborhoods: Zunguluka, Umoja, Kipeyayo, and Buliki. In particular, they targeted a Catholic prayer vigil being held in a multipurpose hall, where parishioners were preparing for the 50th-anniversary celebrations of their local church.

A survivor, still in shock, reported: “The ADF attacked while we were sleeping. They locked the exits, decided who to kill and who to tie up, and took some people hostage. I survived by a miracle by hiding behind motorcycle parts under a mattress—and because I understood their language.”

Damage and Casualties

The attack caused significant property damage: homes set on fire, stores ransacked, and a Fuso vehicle completely burned to the ground with a victim inside. The attackers also reportedly killed a mentally ill man near the CADECO bank before launching their main assault.

The Kipeyayo neighborhood and its surrounding areas were particularly hard hit, with several bodies reportedly still unaccounted for.

Mass Exodus and Economic Paralysis

The attack sparked widespread panic, prompting many residents to flee to areas considered safer or to seek refuge in the bush. This Sunday, the usually bustling center of Komanda remains largely deserted, with most businesses closed as a precaution.

Reaction from the authorities

The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) claim to have regained control of the area and have deployed units to strategic access points. However, no official statement has yet been issued by Congolese provincial or military authorities regarding this massacre.

The local population is calling for an intensification of military operations and greater protection for civilians, who are continually being targeted in this region of Ituri, in eastern DRC, which is plagued by chronic insecurity.

The death toll remains preliminary, as search efforts continue to locate the missing and the victims in remote areas.

Report by Olivier Okande from Komanda (DRC)

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African Film Archive, Cameroon

The Cinémathèque Afrique is celebrating African cinema in Cameroon in partnership with Cinéma Numérique Ambulant

The Institut français’s Cinémathèque Afrique is launching a tour in Cameroon titled“Cinémathèque Afrique in Cameroon – A Journey to the Heart of Africa’s Cinematic Heritage,” from June 10 to 13, 2025, in partnership with Cinéma Numérique Ambulant (CNA).

The goal of this event is to showcase the richness and diversity of African and Cameroonian cinematic heritage through a variety of initiatives: open-air film screenings open to the general public, conferences on African cinema, and a range of local cultural activities.

The Cinémathèque Afrique on the Road in Cameroon, Bringing It Closer to Its Audiences

This tour kicks off at the French Institute of Cameroon in Douala and will 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 Dibombari and Ngoyé Beach in Kribi.

Africa in Pictures: The Cinémathèque Afrique Along Cameroon’s Roads and Through the Continent’s Stories

Through this initiative, the Cinémathèque Afrique and the Cinéma Numérique Ambulant are reaching out to diverse audiences—from urban neighborhoods to rural communities—to bring them together around African cinema through an inclusive and participatory approach.  The general public in Cameroon will thus be able to (re)discover iconic works such as *La vie est belle*by Mwezé Ngangura and Benoît Lamy, *Le ballon d’or*by 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 *Walls*by Narcisse Wandji.

An initiative educational, cultural, and civic

In addition to screenings of African and Cameroonian films, the Cinémathèque Afrique and the Cinéma Numérique Ambulant also organize special events and discussion sessions to foster collective reflection on imagery, storytelling, and memory. This initiative is part of an inclusive cultural and educational approach aimed at raising awareness among Cameroon’s diverse communities about the richness of Africa’s cinematic heritage and at strengthening critical literacy regarding visual media. 

The Cinémathèque Afrique: Bringing Cinematic Heritage Closer to Its Diverse Audiences

With more than 1,800 films from 45 countries, the Cinémathèque Afrique houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of African cinema, spanning from the 1950s to the present day. Its catalog includes short films, feature-length films, animated films, documentaries, and archival footage. This unique collection, featuring the work of more than a thousand filmmakers, reflects the diversity of artistic perspectives on Africa and the cultural ties forged between younger generations in Cameroon and across Africa and their cinematic heritage.

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

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Timothee Tsomana in the center of the photo

A Final Farewell to Timothée Tsomana, a Key Figure in the Media World

Image caption: Timothée Tsomana, pictured here in the center wearing a red tie, alongside FOMECAF leaders

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

We had the privilege of working alongside Timothée through the 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 following the IBRA Radio initiative—he successfully injected new energy into the field of training. Several members of the Médias Ébène association had the opportunity to serve as guest lecturers at this school during numerous sessions.

In addition, Timothée had generously agreed to help lead the Francophone African Christian Media Forum (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 an extremely difficult time. May his memory live on in the projects he helped build, and may he continue to inspire those who knew him.

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Radio Production Training: A Success for Gloria Radio in Cameroon

From March 18 to 21, 2025, Gloria Radio organized a radio production training session 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 took part in a variety of modules, ranging from program design to studio management and digital marketing.

Contribution by 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 the radio’s message and recommended creating pages on various platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. His advice was essential for implementing an effective digital strategy, thereby ensuring greater visibility and engagement with the community.

Recommendations and Outlook

The training concluded with recommendations aimed at strengthening Gloria Radio’s capacity. Mr. Justin Mvondo emphasized the importance of drafting a final training report and continuing support from the partners. The participants expressed their satisfaction and enthusiasm for the skills they had acquired, which they were ready to put into practice to produce high-quality, competitive content.

Gloria Radio is now well-equipped to offer engaging and professional programming, thanks to this enriching training and the significant contributions of everyone involved.

Explore the radio's tower section

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Illia Djadi in 2023 in Lomé

The Sahel, the Epicenter of Global Terrorism: A Conference in Geneva

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On the sidelines of the conference to be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the University of Geneva, Uni Mail, Room MS150, Illia Djadi, a member of our association, was invited to appear on a program on Swiss National Radio (RTS). He provided context on a region that, for the first time, accounts for “more than half of all terrorism-related deaths , ” according to the Global Terror Index (GTI). Burkina Faso tops this index. The urgency of the work carried out by Médias Ébène through the media—as a means of promoting social cohesion—is more pressing than ever.

For several years now, this region—which stretches across Africa from east to west (primarily Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mauritania) has seen an alarming rise in jihadist groups such as the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara (ISGS), Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM, affiliated with Al-Qaeda), and Boko Haram in the Lake Chad basin.

Several factors contribute to this situation:

  • The fragility of states and the lack of control over vast territories
  • Governance crises and political instability (recent coups)
  • Intercommunal conflicts that terrorists exploit
  • Poverty and the lack of economic opportunities
  • Climate change, which exacerbates tensions over resources

The withdrawal of Western forces (particularly French forces, following the end of Operation Barkhane) and strained relations with regional organizations have created a security vacuum. At the same time, the influence of groups such as Wagner (now Africa Corps) has grown in the region.

This concentration of terrorist activity, combined with its geographic expansion into coastal countries such as Benin, Togo, and Côte d’Ivoire, justifies viewing the Sahel as a new epicenter of global terrorism.

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