FOMECAF Seminar Abidjan 2026: Ivorian religious media, bulwarks against radicalism

ABIDJAN, February 1, 2026 – The curtain has fallen on a pivotal event for the religious media landscape. After three days of intense discussions at the Center for Training and Audiovisual Communication (CEFCA), the Forum of Christian Media in Francophone Africa (FOMECAF) closed its national seminar. Under the theme "Resilience and Responsibility of Christian Media in the Face of Radicalism," this strategic meeting delivered on its promises in terms of mobilization and professional expertise.

A large-scale national mobilization

The seminar confirmed FOMECAF's regional roots with figures that demonstrate 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 mobilized: Abidjan, Abengourou, Bouaké, Yamoussoukro, Aboisso, Korhogo, and Bonoua.

Seven trainers combining national and international expertise to supervise the work.

Strong voices for a mission of peace

FOMECAF's commitment to lasting peace was supported by high-level interventions. 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 Bureau.
  • Mr. Emmanuel Ziehli, President of Médias Ébène and main partner of the event.
  • Prof. Abdoulaye Sangho, Chair of the Organizing Committee.
  • Mr. Germain Coulibaly, Chief Executive Officer 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 responsibility of Christian media in preventing radicalization.

Practical, action-oriented workshops

Four training centers have made it possible to transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills:

  • Media management: Strategies for seeking 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, under the direction of Andrea Luzi.
  • FM broadcasting: Technical expertise and broadcasting quality, with Honoré Chabi Boni.

A new roadmap for communicators

The work resulted in strategic recommendations for the future of religious media in Côte d'Ivoire:

  • Unity of action: Creation of digital platforms to promote concerted action among professionals.
  • Technological shift: Responsible integration of AI and strategic development of podcasts to expand audience reach.
  • Ethics and vigilance: A strengthened commitment against hate speech and misinformation.

"Abidjan 2026 is not just a simple 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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