Radio, the last bastion of freedom and hope

It was in Kigali, Rwanda, that Médias Ebène participated last October in the continental seminar "Africa by Radio" (AbR), the English-speaking equivalent of the Forum des médias chrétiens d'Afrique francophone (FOMECAF), launched by our association in 2019. We played a central role in organizing the event, inviting key players, and moderating panels.

The choice of Rwanda, Congo's eastern neighbor, made it possible to welcome participants from Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These provinces are violently shaken by armed rebel groups (M23, ADF), where insecurity and radicalism threaten peace and democratic expression. The consequences are severe: mass displacement and human rights violations.

Yet, amid all 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 deals with armed groups. His account is poignant: he welcomed men onto the radio knowing that they had committed murders that very morning.

As the year draws to a close, the association would like to pay tribute to these true heroes, who embody the values of the Kingdom of God (justice, peace, faith, devotion). Their commitment is inspiring, as their waves carry a message of light where darkness reigns.

In Kigali, we also had the joy of meeting up again with friends from Niger and Mali, where the situation remains just as precarious. To all these peacemakers and messengers of good news, we offer our gratitude and our prayers.