Live from the Field: Radio Albarka, a Christian Beacon in a Muslim Land

Located in the heart of central Togo, the city of Sokodé stands out for its strong identity: a major commercial hub, it is also one of the country’s principal centers of Islam. It was in this unique geographical and religious context that the delegation from FOMECAF and Médias Ébène made a stop to support Radio Albarka.

Welcomed with exceptional warmth by Elisabeth Koudjoukalo, the station’s director, and her entire team (journalists and technicians), the delegates were able to witness the resilience of this media outlet. Operating in a radio landscape dominated by Muslim religious stations, Albarka stands out for the quality of its programming and its message of peace.

Day-to-day operations at the radio station, however, remain a struggle. Between an unreliable power supply and the burden of broadcasting taxes, the obstacles are numerous. Yet, thanks to Elisabeth’s rigorous and visionary leadership, the station is holding its own. To support this momentum, the delegation presented the station with a new mixing console—equipment that is vital for modernizing the studio and ensuring the station’s long-term viability.

Radio Albarka proves that with determination and sound management, a Christian media outlet can not only survive but also have a lasting impact in French-speaking Africa.