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. Recognition of his unwavering commitment was to be formally recorded at our General Meeting on March 15, when he was to be appointed Honorary President of our association.
A pioneer and tireless advocate for Christian media in French-speaking Africa, he leaves behind a valuable legacy. In 1977, alongside Charles Guillot, he launched holistic and innovative program formats specifically designed to reflect the reality of African listeners.
To honor his memory and his work, we are republishing today the tribute written by Charles Guillot about his friend and companion. This document is available in its entirety in PDF format at the bottom of this page.
Arriving in France in January 1976 after working as a teacher in Congo-Kinshasa (Zaire), Djamba Albert Watto was driven by a desire to serve the Lord. He quickly became involved in missionary networks, attending the Nation Evangelical Church alongside Alain Choiquier and collaborating with the teams at Radio Cordac.
Collaboration and friendship with Charles Guillot
His decisive encounter with Charles Guillot in 1977, during the Christian Convention in the Cévennes, led to a fruitful collaboration. They first conceived "Radios Villages," an innovative project aimed at reaching rural populations 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 "Le défi de l'Afrique" (Africa's Challenge), produced by TWR. This program stands out for its humanistic approach: unable to distribute material aid, the program offers advice and guidance to listeners in need. Recorded over five years between a Parisian Baptist church and 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 anchor the biblical message in cultural reality.
Albert Watto, trainer
In terms of training, Watto identified a crucial need among pastors of immigrant churches: a lack of theological background. He therefore created the DEPAF (African Department of Missiology) at the Bible Institute in Nogent-sur-Marne. For 17 years, this organization offered Saturday classes to professionalize pastoral ministry. This vision then evolved with the creation of the Afro-Caribbean Baptist Institute (IBAC) in Blanc-Mesnil, founded 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, August 2024, during the International Conference of Christian Works Coordination (ECOC) in Cotonou.
Finally, to unify these scattered communities, he established ECOCE (Entente et Coordination des Œuvres Chrétiennes), which today brings together 70 churches in a spiritual brotherhood. His commitment also continues as vice-chairman of the board of directors of Radios Ebène Développement.
Read Charles Guillot's testimony about Albert Watto (PDF):
