Christian Media Forum in Francophone Africa: Peace at the Heart of Discussions
From October 30 to November 1, 2023, Ouagadougou will host the sixth seminar organized by the Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF). The conference theme is 'Christian Media, Tools for Peace in a World Full of Conflicts.'
After five editions held in Lomé, Togo, the seminar organized by the Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF) is decentralizing and taking place for the first time in Burkina Faso. 70 participants from 6 countries, including Burkina Faso, Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Togo, Mali, and Niger, attended.
Olivia Beugré, President of FOMECAF, stated that the current situation in some Francophone African countries is fraught with crises and tensions, including sociopolitical, migration, and climate crises, as well as terrorism, among others.
Media for Peace
This year's symposium, themed 'Christian media, tools for peace in a world of conflict,' therefore provides an opportunity to reflect on the role of Christian media during these fragile times. 'Whether traditional media or social networks, they have a responsibility to report events objectively and balancedly, to promote dialogue and reconciliation, and to contribute to building a peaceful and harmonious society. However, media can also be used destructively. Disinformation, discord, hatred, and the manipulation of public opinion can exacerbate conflicts,' stated Ms. Beugré.
A theme that aligns with that of the Burkinabe government
The minister was represented at this meeting by Boukary Nitiema, head of the Ministry of Communication's delegation. He emphasized that 'in contexts marked by terrorism, such as those in Sahelian countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), media, both secular and religious, have an immense role to play in 'deconstructing elements of terror,' strengthening the resilience of populations, and supporting actions undertaken by states to ultimately overcome obscurantism.' He therefore welcomed the relevance of this theme, which, according to him, aligns with the communication priorities of the Government of Burkina Faso.
Media as Tools to Serve the Population
The event's patron, CSC President Abdoulazize Bamogo, also welcomed the seminar's theme, emphasizing that Christian media are engaged through various means to help them play their role in the fight against terrorism within the seminar's framework. 'In Burkina Faso, we encourage Christian media to adopt tools that will help them make a difference in the face of the security challenges and community tensions we are experiencing. The aim of these tools is to assess the commitment of these media outlets that convey religious messages, the word of God. How can investors help a country in a fragile situation?' he suggested. He also commended faith-based media, which he believes are professional because they are rarely questioned for ethical and professional violations, and invited them to stay the course.
Close to the Realities of Burkina Faso
Olivia Beugré, President of the FOMECAF Bureau, stated that Burkina Faso was chosen to host this edition of FOMECAF seminars in response to the need to support the country during the difficult times it is experiencing. Consequently, FOMECAF hopes to remain close to the reality experienced by Burkina Faso, express its compassion and sympathy to the wounded Burkinabe Church and people, and ultimately offer participation sessions to as many media professionals as possible in Burkina Faso, as well as opportunities to receive training and contribute to the debate through their testimonies.
About FOMECAF
For the record, FOMECAF was launched in Lomé, Togo, in 2019, following a meeting commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Swiss-originated Radio Réveil. It is dedicated to spreading the message of Christ, peace, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence throughout Francophone Africa. Each of the six editions of the Lomé conferences brought together approximately 150 radio professionals working in Francophone African faith-based radio stations.
Participants in this network expressed their hope that in the future, faith-based radio programming will not solely focus on religion on air, but also consider the specific needs of the population. Emmanuel Ziehli, President of Radio Réveil, explained: 'no more radio sermons without the actions that precede them.'
Photo credit: Koudousse Moustapha – KDS – 2023
