FOMECAF Seminar, Abidjan 2026: Ivorian Religious Media, a Bulwark Against Radicalism

ABIDJAN, February 1, 2026 – The curtain has fallen on a landmark event for the faith-based media landscape. After three days of intense discussions at the Center for Audiovisual Training and Communication (CEFCA), the Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF) concluded its national seminar. Held under the theme “Resilience and Responsibility of Christian Media in the Face of Radicalism,” this strategic gathering lived up to all expectations in terms of engagement and professional expertise.

A large-scale national mobilization

The seminar confirmed FOMECAF’s strong regional presence, with figures that underscore the urgency of the issues addressed:

  • 57 participants (including 13 women and 44 men) from 24 Christian media outlets.
  • Seven cities in Côte d’Ivoire are participating: Abidjan, Abengourou, Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, Aboisso, Korhogo, and Bonoua.

7 trainers with both national and international expertise to oversee the work.

Strong Voices for a Peace Mission

FOMECAF’s commitment to lasting peace was underscored by high-level speeches. The official opening was marked by the presence of Ms. Odette N’Zi, Third Deputy Mayor of Cocody, representing Mayor Jean-Marc Yacé.

  • Industry leaders reaffirmed their shared vision during the sessions:
  • Ms. Olivia Beugré, Chair of the FOMECAF Executive Committee.
  • Mr. Emmanuel Ziehli, President of Médias Ébène and the event’s main partner.
  • Prof. Abdoulaye Sangho, Chair of the Organizing Committee.
  • Mr. Germain Coulibaly, Executive Director of CEFCA.

The keynote speaker, Illia Djadi, an analyst at the NGO Open Doors, captivated the audience with his analysis of the rise of extremism in the Sahel, emphasizing the crucial role of Christian media in preventing radicalization.

Practical, action-oriented workshops

Four training centers helped transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills:

  • Media Management: Strategies for Securing Funding, with Denis Steffen.
  • Journalism & AI: Combating Misinformation and Integrating Artificial Intelligence, with Emmanuel Ziehli, Mawuéna Abotchi, and Joël Kokou Djagbavi.
  • Sound Engineering: Sound Recording and Optimization, directed by Andrea Luzi.
  • FM Broadcasting: Technical Expertise and Broadcast Quality, with Honoré Chabi Boni.

A New Roadmap for Communicators

The study resulted in strategic recommendations for the future of faith-based media in Côte d’Ivoire:

  • Unity of Action: Creating digital platforms to promote coordinated action among professionals.
  • Technological Shift: Responsible Integration of AI and Strategic Development of Podcasts to Expand the Audience.
  • Ethics and Vigilance: A Strengthened Commitment to Combating Hate Speech and Misinformation.

“Abidjan 2026 is not just a closing ceremony; it is the consolidation of a community of communicators determined to make every microphone and every pen an instrument of social cohesion and stability for the nation.”

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