Radio Télé Evangile Réconciliation (RTER) is located in Nyankunde, in Ituri Province, in eastern Congo. In September 2002, the Nyankunde Medical Center was the site of one of the worst massacres of the Ituri conflict. For 10 days, Germain Katanga’s Ngiti fighters—later known as the FRPI—killed at least 12,000 people in and around Nyankunde. The concept of reconciliation, as embodied by the radio station led by Jean Luc Simbilyabo, is not overused. Very recently, he shared with us this masterful example of “integral radio,” which we are pleased to share with you here.

The Quest for Gold and Its Challenges

The history of the Radio Télé Evangile Réconciliation (RTER Nyankunde) is closely linked to that of the gold miners. These courageous gold miners, despite difficult conditions, work tirelessly to improve their lives and those of their communities, demonstrating exemplary solidarity and resilience.

Every day, men and women set out in search of gold in remote areas, armed with rudimentary tools and unwavering determination. Without modern equipment, their work is difficult and their productivity is limited. Nevertheless, they persevere—not only to provide for their families, but also to support local projects, including our radio station.

Radio as a pillar of the community

Their story is remarkable, particularly because of their financial support for our station, despite their modest incomes. They recognize the importance of local media in giving the community a voice, informing, educating, and bringing people together. This support allows us to maintain and expand our programming, thereby linking their work to the region’s development.

In return, our radio station offers specialized programs to support small-scale gold miners, educating them on resource management, best practices in health and safety, and their rights. The radio station provides them with a platform for expression and dialogue, strengthening solidarity and fostering collective solutions. The results are clear: small-scale gold miners now view their work as an opportunity for transformation.

A Future Full of Hope

However, gold miners face major challenges, including limited access to medical care and protective equipment. Children suffer from malnutrition, and premature deaths are common. Despite these hardships, they hope for a better future.

Local authorities’ support for small-scale gold mining offers an alternative to young people who are often tempted to join armed groups. In eastern DRC, this activity represents a tangible source of hope for thousands of families.

With better support, gold miners could increase their production and their positive impact on the community, thereby transforming their lives and strengthening local projects like our radio station. Their courage and determination, combined with the right support, pave the way for a future where everyone contributes to collective development, building a better world for future generations.

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Jean Luc Simbilyabo, director of Radio Télé Évangile et Réconciliation in Nyankunde, at the first training seminar held in Lomé in 2019.