The FOMECAF leadership is pleased to inform Christian media actors in French-speaking Africa of a decentralized seminar called OUAGA 2023, to be held from October 30 to November 3, 2023, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
With the aim of bringing its actions closer to sympathetic countries and supporting work at the national level more effectively, this year the Forum is organizing, in collaboration with Radio Réveil, a decentralized meeting in the capital of Burkina Faso, one of the current theaters of conflict in the subregion.
Under the theme: Media, tools for peace in a world in conflict – OUAGA 2023, this seminar follows on from FOMECAF's fervent desire to equip and empower Christian media actors to play a role in preventing and appeasing conflicts on the continent through their action plan.
Participants at OUAGA 2023 will mainly come from countries neighboring Burkina Faso, the host country. These include Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Niger, and Togo.
The leaders of the Forum des Médias Chrétiens d’Afrique Francophone (Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa) therefore urge media professionals to continue to make use of the tools already made available to them and still available on the organization's official channels:
As for stakeholders in Central and East African countries, they are reminded that seminars are being prepared and that very soon they too will have the opportunity to host the Forum.
Confident that your interest in the various initiatives led by FOMECAF remains strong and renewed, we wish each and every one of you all the best for the future.
See you soon for another uplifting and inspiring reunion!
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/COVER-CP-980x499-1.webp499980Patriziahttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngPatriziaMay 6, 2023, 11:44:18June 16, 2024, 1:52:51 p.m.OUAGA 2023, the first of FOMECAF's decentralized seminars
The Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa (FOMECAF) and the Radio Réveil Association are jointly awarding the 2023 François SERGY Prize to photographer Koudousse Moustapha from Benin and radio promoter Rabiou Hamadou from Niger.
On February 24, FOMECAF officials, in collaboration with the Franco-Swiss Association Radio Réveil, awarded an incentive prize to media specialists for the fourth time on the last day of the Lomé 5 seminar. This year, Koudousse Moustapha from Benin and Rabiou Hamadou from Niger won over the jury. The social impact of the former and the promotion of peace and "living together" by the latter are in line with the theme of the seminar that has just ended in Lomé, as well as the lessons taught by FOMECAF since 2019.
The François Sergy Prize honors participants in the Lomé seminars who have distinguished themselves by putting into practice the lessons learned during the five seminars organized since 2019 in the Togolese capital.
Beninese photographer receives award
Koudousse Moustapaha, a young photojournalist from Benin, runs Kovart Digital School, a photography school founded just one year ago in Porto-Novo, the capital of Benin. After graduating from high school, he enrolled in a photography course in 2017, a media activity that was already his passion. He obtained his certificate of professional qualification (CQM) in 2020. His talent was quickly spotted. Among his assignments, it is worth noting one for the Presidency of Benin, which has placed its trust in him. Koudousse Moustapaha participated in the Lomé 4 seminar and has since distinguished himself through the quality of his work. Armed with the knowledge he gained, he started "Kovart Digital School" a few weeks later, a project involved in social action. This school is located in a disadvantaged neighborhood.
A radio personality from Maradi
Rabiou Hamadou is the second recipient of the François Sergy Award. A Nigerian national, he is the promoter of Radio Nagarta in Maradi, Niger. His editorial line gives a voice to the entire social, cultural, and religious mosaic that populates this region in the east of his country, which is plagued by instability due to armed jihadist groups not far away. "I dedicate this award to all the victims of the Russian-Ukrainian war and their families," he said as he received his award. It did not escape this media sleuth that the award was presented to him exactly one year after the outbreak of war in Europe. (c)
About the François Sergy Prize
The François Sergy Prize was established in 2019. In conjunction with FOMECAF, it pays tribute to a particularly deserving media activity, in memory of journalist François Sergy, a contributor to Radio Réveil who has since passed away and who was himself of African origin. In 2019, Dodji Juliette Kpessou received the award for her series of columns "O2Vie." Jean-Luc Simbilyabo from the DRC was honored in 2020 for his contributions in Ituri (eastern Congo). In 2021, Abdoualye Cissé was honored for his work and perseverance in Timbuktu (Mali).
More information about the other recipients of the François Sergy Award:
Since 2019, the Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa (FOMECAF) has brought together the signatories of the " the Lomé Declaration ," which brings together actors from the religious media in French-speaking Africa once a year.
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Lome5-Remise-Prix-Sergy.jpg8841421Patriziahttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngPatriziaMarch 7, 2023, 1:47:39 p.m.May 8, 2024, 10:30:02Lomé 5: two secular actors crowned with the François Sergy Prize 2023
Encouraging journalists, presenters, and technicians working for Christian radio stations in French-speaking Africa is the aim of the Lomé meetings. From February 20 to 24, Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio R, traveled to Lomé to take part in the fifth edition of this seminar. The theme was: "Media: tools for peace in a world in conflict." A review of this event can be found in "Un R d'Actu" on RADIO R.
On Tuesday, March 7, Emmanuel Ziehli, director of Radio R, and Illia Djadi, analyst for the NGO Open Doors, reviewed the fifth edition of the Lomé meetings organized by FOMECAF (Forum of Christian Media in French-speaking Africa).
This year, these networking and continuing education meetings, aimed in particular at journalists, presenters, and directors of religious radio stations in French-speaking Africa, addressed the theme: "Media: tools for peace in a world in conflict."
Illia Djadi was the keynote speaker. He encouraged the 70 or so participants to use radio as a tool to promote coexistence and give everyone a voice on Christian radio stations, including representatives of the Muslim community. (c)
Listen to the program "Un R d'Actu" with Illia Djadi (Open Doors), Emmanuel Ziehli (Radio Réveil), Abdoulaye Cissé (Mali), and Alphonse Teyabé (Cameroon).
More than 70 Christian media professionals from French-speaking Africa will gather at the OCDI in Lomé from February 20 to 24, 2023, with the aim of strengthening their capacities and exchanging ideas within the framework of the Forum des Medias Chrétiens d'Afrique Francophone (FOMECAF). Illia Djadi, journalist and human rights defender, will be the keynote speaker at this fifth edition, which will focus on the theme "Media: Tools for Peace in a World in Conflict." Under the patronage of the Ministry of Communication and Media, its minister, Professor Akodah Ayewouadan, will be the guest of honor at the opening ceremony.
FOMECAF is meeting for the fifth time in the Togolese capital. More than 70 participants from nearly 15 countries are expected to attend this important gathering of Christian media from French-speaking Africa. In addition, after two editions organized despite the Covid pandemic , this edition marks the return of four practical workshops led by distinguished international guests: Joël Pelet, Director of Canal Alpha television in Switzerland; Christian Gaspoz, Director of Radios Ébène Développement in Paris; Denis Steffen, radio consultant and member of the board of directors of Radio Réveil, and Pierre-Yves Mutrux, project manager for the international organization Galcom in Canada. The Swiss association Radio Réveil is co-organizing the event for the last time and is represented by its president, Emmanuel Ziehli. This edition marks the end of a transition process, with the future now belonging exclusively to African leaders.
Illia DJADI, keynote speaker for this edition
In a world shaken by repeated conflicts that disrupt the economy and life in nations, Illia DJADI, drawing on his experience as an analyst, will provide his peers with insights into the issue of conflict on the continent and the tools needed to intervene in the context of peacekeeping. He will find the best words to help the journalists participating in this meeting understand how to be "tools of peace" when peace is threatened in their coverage area. Throughout his presentation, he will return to the issues of conflict in Africa and around the world; radio and social media as possible weapons of mass destruction; and what could be the contribution of the media in conflict prevention...
Appointed keynote speaker, Illia DJADI is responsible for issues of religious freedom and belief in Sub-Saharan Africa on behalf of the international NGO Open Doors. Illia is an expert in this field and speaks in the media and at international forums to raise awareness about the rise of religious extremism in Africa and the dangers threatening "living together" on the continent. Originally from Niger, he lives in London, where he has been actively involved in the development of FOMECAF for several years.
Lomé 5 in plenary sessions and workshops
Lomé is once again in plenary-workshop format. The plenary sessions, which will be held every morning, will be moments of great edification with experienced speakers who are well-equipped on the subject. Accustomed to seminars and fully involved in establishing media convergence in Africa, the various leaders will, one after the other over five days, develop topics that will help equip participants to become true actors in easing tensions on the continent. The return of practical workshops in the afternoons will also bring added value to participants. Four workshops are offered to participants, including "Sound in the Studio" by Pierre-Yves Mutrux, "Filmed Radio" by Joël Pelet, and "FM Transmitter" by Christian Gaspot.
Internet broadcasting and leadership
The plenary sessions and workshops of Lomé 5 will be broadcast live and then recorded on FOMECAF's various channels, particularly Facebook and YouTube.
The leaders of FOMECAF will work on issues concerning the new direction to be taken by the organization. These five meetings are one of the major activities of Lomé 5 (c).
About FOMECAF
FOMECAF was founded in Lomé in 2019 on the sidelines of media training seminars. It brings together around 50 religious media actors in French-speaking Africa.
Its leadership consists of:
1. Dr. Abdoualye Sangho, Trans World Radio (TWR), Ivory Coast 2. Dr. Etienne Kiemdé, Radio Évangile et Développement, Burkina Faso 3. Illia Djadi, Open Doors London 4. Olivia Beugre, Radio la Voix de l’Espérance, Ivory Coast 5. Juliette Kpessou, Radio Hosanna, Benin 6. Rev. Timothée Amegan, Mediaafrique media training, Togo 7. Dr. Alphonse Teyabé, media consultant, Cameroon 8. Benjamin Holl, Radio Vie Nouvelle, Cameroon 9. Dr. Augustin Ahoga, theologian and sociologist, Benin 10. Blaise Gaïtou, National Director of JEM, Niger 11. Koffi Ahonon, National Director of Compassion, Togo 12. Mawuena Abotschi, Permanent Secretary in Lomé, Togo
The names in bold make up the executive committee. Two international players are joining us for the last time this year:
13. Emmanuel Ziehli, President of Radio Réveil, France 14. Henriette Saindon, Secretary of Africa by Radio, South Africa
https://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Image1.png327714Patriziahttps://mediasebene.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/logo-medias-ebene-web-202411-300x138.pngPatriziaFebruary 17, 2023, 2:11 p.m.June 16, 2024, 1:53:37 p.m.LOME 5: MEDIA AS TOOLS FOR PEACE IN A WORLD IN CONFLICT
