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):
