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.