In a spirit of solidarity and a shared vision for the future of Christian media in French-speaking Africa, two pioneering organizations, “Radio Réveil France” and “Radios Ébène Développement,” have merged to form a new entity: “Médias Ébène.” This strategic union, formalized in March 2024, marks a decisive turning point in development assistance and training for media in French-speaking Africa.
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.
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
Technical support, advice, and training: this is Médias Ébène's contribution to Christian radio stations in Francophone Africa. Today, this region faces major challenges, including the rise of religious extremism. In this context, the impressive number of Christian radio stations in Senegal, Mali, Chad, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, and Cameroon... raise a voice that can make a difference in the name of Jesus Christ!
Through their programs, these radio stations equip communities to respond appropriately to the spread of Islamism. They encourage respectful understanding of others and raise awareness about the importance of a culture of peace in the face of ethnic and religious hostilities. They also contribute, through comprehensive radio programming, to the fight against poverty.
In Africa, radio is the primary medium. Encouraging, training, and bringing together its professionals requires diverse support. Committing a full-time position this spring to coordinate this network with local partners is a major undertaking. This will enable Médias Ébène to provide evangelical, Pentecostal, Methodist, or Reformed radio stations with resources to foster hope founded in Jesus Christ.
As a journalist, I participated in training seminars. This was an opportunity to provide presenters with additional skills aimed at improving their on-air presence, raising awareness about fake news that distorts the perception of reality, and introducing them to reporting and investigative journalism. These techniques empower these professionals to be 'salt and light' in a context marked by violence and destructive dynamics.
Thank you in advance for your help in developing this unique mission!
Serge Carrel, pastor and journalist.
You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world... Matthew 5:13 and 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 Ziehli2026-04-09 16:20:232026-04-09 16:20:39Médias Ébène, a unique mission to make a difference!
Pontarlier, May 17, 2025. Thirteen private radio stations, including five Christian stations, are at risk of being shut down as a result of a decision by the High Authority for Media and Audiovisual Services (HAMA). With a deadline deemed too short to comply with the requirements, these essential media outlets are calling for urgent support.
Compliance Under Pressure
The High Authority for Media and Audiovisual Affairs (HAMA) is requiring new private radio stations in Chad to begin operations promptly and to strictly comply with regulations by June 12, 2025. Thirteen stations are affected, including five Christian radio stations that enrich the media landscape and provide spiritual guidance to communities that often lack other sources of information.
A Crucial Issue for Social Cohesion
Among the stations under threat are FM Adventiste (N’Djamena), La Vie Nouvelle (Gagal), Koode Kandam (Dourbali), Matchiwala (Baktchoro), and FM Philadelphia (Kélo). Some have been in operation for several years, while others have just launched, but all are facing financial and administrative challenges. In light of this situation, the Médias Ebène association is calling for action to secure an extension and concrete support so that these radio stations can continue their vital mission.
Denis Steffen, treasurer of the Médias Ébène association
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Radio-Tchad-1.png8701339Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliMay 17, 2025, 9:57:37 AMMay 17, 2025, 10:09:09Threat to Private Radio Stations in Chad – A Call for Solidarity
For its first appearance in Europe, the Médias Ebène association has chosen to participate in the “La Place” event in Paris to introduce its activities to the public. Organized under the auspices of the Oïkonomia Foundation and the Centre Évangélique, this event aims to create a space for exchange, connection, and celebration centered on evangelical Protestant initiatives. Médias Ebène will be represented during these three days by members of its executive board: Denis Steffen, Christian Gaspoz, and Emmanuel Ziehli.
From Thursday, May 8, through Saturday, May 10, from 9:30 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Médias Ebène will participate in this event alongside more than 230 exhibitors. This strategic presence aims to strengthen the association’s foothold in the French Protestant community.
La Place 2025 is supported by major partners such as the Nogent Bible Institute, CNEF Jeunesse and its network, SEL, Portes Ouvertes, the Protestant Family Associations, and the CPDH—the Evangelical Protestant Committee for Human Dignity. These partnerships help enrich the program and ensure that the event meets the public’s expectations.
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/8-9-10-mai-2025-la-place.jpg10371920Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliMay 5, 2025, 9:19:45 PMMay 5, 2025, 9:19:48 PMEbène Media at “La Place” from May 8 to 10
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.
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Illia-Djadi.jpg8671463Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliMarch 24, 2025, 11:14:09 AMMarch 24, 2025, 3:21:49 PMThe Sahel, the Epicenter of Global Terrorism: A Conference in Geneva
Koode Kisndam Radio in Dourbali, in the Chari Barguimi region, was officially inaugurated on February 13, in celebration of World Radio Day. This unique and unprecedented event marked a milestone in the town’s history, as it welcomed its very first radio station.
Dourbali, February 21, 2025
Administrative officials, including the regional governor, as well as traditional and religious leaders, were present alongside the residents of Dourbali to celebrate this initiative, in which they have placed all their hopes for long-awaited development.
Koode Kisndam Radio, housed in its own facilities built by its founder, Moussa Batchaguine—known locally as “the Bororo pastor”—broadcasts on 99.1 FM using a 1,000-watt transmitter and a 42-meter-tall tower. It will serve a cosmopolitan and predominantly Muslim population that is deeply attached to oral traditions and listening to the radio.
Although it has been inaugurated and is open to the public, Koode Kisndam still faces the challenge of completing its facilities, particularly by installing a lightning rod to protect its equipment from the frequent thunderstorms in the region.
Médias Ebène contributed to this launch by providing comprehensive training to the radio station’s teams, covering topics such as rigorous financial management, fundraising, marketing, the use of artificial intelligence in program creation, and the use of technical equipment. These training sessions were led by our volunteers Christian Gaspoz and Emmanuel Ziehli.
/Administrative officials, including the regional governor, as well as traditional and religious leaders, joined the residents of Dourbali in celebrating the inauguration of this new radio station.
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Dedicace_Koode_Kisndam.jpg4591020Emmanuel Ziehlihttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngEmmanuel ZiehliFebruary 21, 2025, 10:38:32 AMFebruary 22, 2025, 8:55:27 AMMédias Ébène plays an active role in the launch of Radio Koode Kisndam in Chad
The Francophone African Christian Media Forum (FOMECAF) has just successfully concluded a series of training sessions led by two renowned experts, Christian Gaspoz and Denis Steffen, who were sent by the Association Médias Ebène. These training sessions, which took place from May 7 to 9, 2024, at the HEST campus in Lomé, brought together sixty-nine (69) Christian media professionals from about ten Christian, state-run, and even commercial radio stations in Togo.
Christian Gaspoz, a seasoned radio engineer, led a workshop on transmitter maintenance methodology, sparking joy, a sense of accomplishment, and relief among the participants. Despite initial challenges related to varying levels of knowledge, Gaspoz captivated the audience with a dynamic teaching approach. Participants gained an in-depth understanding of technical terminology and were introduced to identifying the various functional modules of FM transmitters. In addition, Gaspoz expressed his gratitude for having identified participants with prior experience, thereby paving the way for future collaboration on continuing education via distance learning.
For his part, Denis Steffen shared his expertise during a workshop focused on the use of digital tools in Christian broadcasting. Over the course of three days, participants were immersed in the fundamentals of Christian communication, incorporating the latest technological advancements available in sub-Saharan Africa. Topics ranging from creating program schedules to the use of artificial intelligence were covered, offering participants a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities in today’s media landscape.
The training concluded with a book signing for Denis Steffen’s book, *Christian Radio: A Handbook for Building in the Digital Sphere*, as well as the presentation of certificates to the participants. A WhatsApp group was also created to facilitate the sharing of resources and maintain the network of contacts established during the event.
“I remain convinced that the future will reveal the changes brought about by these three days,” said Denis Steffen, reflecting the optimism shared by all participants regarding the lasting impact of this training.
FOMECAF thus continues to play a crucial role in capacity building and professional development for Christian media professionals in Africa.
TVT Togolese News Program
About the Médias Ebène Association
In a spirit of solidarity and a shared vision for the future of Christian media in French-speaking Africa, two pioneering organizations, “Radio Réveil France” and “Radios Ébène Développement,” have merged to form a new entity: “Médias Ébène.” This strategic union, formalized in March 2024, marks a decisive turning point in development assistance and training for media in French-speaking Africa.
On March 16, 2024, the French association “Radio Réveil,” known for its radio content creation, broadcasting, and training programs, adopted new bylaws and a new name. A week later, on March 23, “Radios Ébène Développement,” which specializes in supplying technical equipment and providing support to radio stations, voted to dissolve itself and transfer its assets and projects to “Médias Ébène.”
The FOMECAF leadership is pleased to inform Christian media professionals in French-speaking Africa of a regional seminar titled “OUAGA 2023,” to be held from October 30 to November 3, 2023, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
With the aim of increasingly aligning its activities with those of its partner countries and more effectively supporting efforts at the national level, the Forum is organizing a decentralized meeting this year—in collaboration with Radio Réveil—in the capital of Burkina Faso, one of the current hotspots of conflict in the subregion.
Under the theme “Media: Tools for Peace in a World in Conflict – OUAGA 2023,” this seminar stems from FOMECAF’s strong desire to equip and empower Christian media professionals to play a role in preventing and resolving conflicts on the continent through their action plans.
Participants in OUAGA 2023 will come primarily from countries neighboring Burkina Faso, the host country. These include Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, and Togo.
The leaders of the Francophone African Christian Media Forum therefore urge media professionals to continue making use of the tools already made available to them and still accessible through the organization’s official channels:
As for participants from Central and East African countries, they are reminded that seminars are being organized and that very soon, they too will have the opportunity to host the Forum’s sessions.
Confident that your interest in the various initiatives led by FOMECAF remains strong and continues to grow, we wish each and every one of you all the best for the future.
See you soon for a reunion that’s as uplifting and inspiring as ever!
The goal of the Lomé meetings is to encourage journalists, hosts, and technicians at Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa. From February 20 to 24, Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio R, traveled there to participate in the fifth edition of this seminar. The theme was: “Media: Tools for Peace in a World at War.” A recap of this event can be heard on “Un R d’Actu” on RADIO R.
On Tuesday, March 7, Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio R, and Illia Djadi, an analyst with the NGO Portes ouvertes, reviewed the fifth edition of the Lomé meetings organized by FOMECAF (Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa).
This year, these networking and professional development events—designed primarily for journalists, hosts, and directors of religious radio stations in French-speaking Africa—focused on the theme: “Media: Tools for Peace in a World at War.”
Illia Djadi was the keynote speaker. He encouraged the approximately 70 participants to use radio as a tool to promote social harmony and ensure that everyone has a voice on Christian radio stations, including representatives of the Muslim community. (c)
Listen to the show “Un R d’Actu” featuring Illia Djadi (Portes ouvertes), Emmanuel Ziehli (Radio Réveil), Abdoulaye Cissé (Mali), and Alphonse Teyabé (Cameroon).
More than 70 representatives of Christian media outlets from French-speaking Africa will gather at the OCDI in Lomé from February 20 to 24, 2023, with the goal of building their capacity and exchanging ideas as part of the Forum of Christian Media in French-Speaking Africa (FOMECAF). Illia Djadi, a journalist and human rights advocate, will be the keynote speaker at this fifth edition, which is themed “Media: Tools for Peace in a World in Conflict.” Held under the patronage of the Ministry of Communication and Media, the minister, Professor Akodah Ayewouadan, will be the guest of honor at the opening ceremony.
FOMECAF is meeting for the fifth time in the Togolese capital. More than 70 participants from nearly 15 countries are expected to attend this major gathering of Christian media from Francophone Africa. Furthermore, after two previous editions held despite the COVID-19 pandemic, this edition marks the return of four hands-on workshops led by distinguished international guests: Joël Pelet, Director of “Canal Alpha” television in Switzerland; Christian Gaspoz, Director of “Radios Ébène Développement” in Paris; Denis Steffen, a radio consultant and member of the board of directors of Radio Réveil; and Pierre-Yves Mutrux, a program officer with the international organization “Galcom” in Canada. The Swiss association Radio Réveil is co-organizing the event for the last time and is represented by its president, Emmanuel Ziehli. This edition marks the end of a transition process, with the future now lying exclusively in the hands of African leaders.
Illia DJADI, keynote speaker for this year's event
In a world shaken by repeated conflicts that disrupt the economy and daily life in nations, Illia DJADI, drawing on his experience as an analyst, will provide his peers with insights into the issue of conflict on the continent and the tools needed to intervene in the pursuit of peace. He will find the right words to help the journalists attending this meeting understand how to serve as “Tools of Peace” when peace is threatened in the areas they cover. Throughout his presentation, he will address the challenges posed by conflicts in Africa and around the world; the potential for radio and social media to become weapons of mass destruction; and the role the media can play in conflict prevention…
Named the keynote speaker, Illia DJADI is in charge of issues related to religious freedom and belief in Sub-Saharan Africa on behalf of the international NGO “Open Doors.” Illia is an expert in this field and speaks in the media and at international forums to raise awareness about the rise of religious extremism in Africa and the dangers threatening “social cohesion” on the continent. Originally from Niger, he lives in London, where he has been actively involved in the development of FOMECAF for several years.
Lomé 5: Plenary Sessions and Workshops
Lomé will once again feature a combination of plenary sessions and workshops. The plenary sessions, which will be held every morning, will be deeply inspiring experiences led by experienced speakers who are well-versed in the subject matter. As regular attendees of the seminar and fully committed to fostering media convergence in Africa, the various leaders will take turns over the course of five days to explore topics designed to equip participants to become active agents in easing tensions across the continent. The return of practical workshops in the afternoons will also provide added value for participants. Four workshops are offered to participants, including “Studio Sound” by Pierre-Yves Mutrux, “Filmed Radio” by Joël Pelet, and “FM Transmitter” by Christian GASPOZ.
Internet Broadcasting and Leadership
The plenary sessions and workshops of Lomé 5 will be broadcast in their entirety, both live and on a delayed basis, on FOMECAF’s various channels, particularly Facebook and YouTube.
FOMECAF leaders, for their part, will focus on issues related to the organization’s new direction. These five meetings constitute one of the major activities of Lomé 5 (c).
About FOMECAF
FOMECAF was founded in Lomé in 2019 on the sidelines of media training seminars. It brings together about 50 representatives of faith-based media organizations in French-speaking Africa.
Its leadership team consists of:
1. Dr. Abdoualye Sangho, Trans World Radio (TWR), Ivory Coast 2. Dr. Etienne Kiemdé, Radio Évangile et Développement, Burkina Faso 3. Illia Djadi, Open Doors London 4. Olivia Beugre, Radio La Voix de l’Espérance, Ivory Coast 5. Juliette Kpessou, Radio Hosanna, Benin 6. Rev. Timothée Amegan, Mediaafrique Media Training, Togo 7. Dr. Alphonse Teyabé, media consultant, Cameroon 8. Benjamin Holl, Radio Vie Nouvelle, Cameroon 9. Dr. Augustin Ahoga, theologian and sociologist, Benin 10. Blaise Gaïtou, National Director of JEM, Niger 11. Koffi Ahonon, National Director of Compassion, Togo 12. Mawuena Abotschi, Permanent Secretary in Lomé, Togo
The names in bold are members of the executive board. Two international figures are joining for one last time this year:
13. Emmanuel Ziehli, President of Radio Réveil, France 14. Henriette Saindon, Secretary of Africa by Radio, South Africa
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Image1.png327714Patriziahttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngPatriziaFebruary 17, 2023, 2:11:00 PMJune 16, 2024, 1:53:37 PMLOME 5: THE MEDIA AS TOOLS FOR PEACE IN A WORLD AT WAR
