In a special nationwide broadcast that transcends all religious divides, Emmanuel Ziehli speaks with four leading figures in the Ivorian media landscape. Joined byÉtienne Saï (CEFCA), Kassim Traoré (TV and Radio Hosanna), Niomouti Samuel (Radio Fréquence Vie), and Justin (Radio Nationale Catholique – RNC), he delivers an exclusive interview that brings together all faiths. A unique media event to address the country’s current challenges in a spirit of dialogue and brotherhood.

The "last-mile" medium

Despite the ubiquity of social media, radio remains the dominant medium in Africa. Why? Because it is the only medium capable of overcoming the barriers of illiteracy and reaching even the most isolated settlements. As Emmanuel Ziehli points out, it is not merely a receiver of sounds; it is a “traveling companion” that speaks directly to the listener’s heart and mind, where other screens fall silent.

Professionalism and Ethics: The Challenge of Quality

One of the key messages from the Abidjan seminar is the call for greater professionalism. According to our guest contributor, commitment must not come at the expense of competence.

• Moving Beyond Amateurism: Producing Rigorous, Fact-Checked Content.
• Ethics on the Air: In contexts that are sometimes fragile, radio has the power to build peace or fuel tensions. FOMECAF’s stance is clear: radio must be a vehicle for reconciliation and education.

“Every open microphone is a responsibility. We don’t just broadcast signals; we broadcast influence.” — Emmanuel Ziehli

The Digital Shift: The Convergence of FM and the Web

The seminar also addresses technological change. Far from being at odds with the Internet, African radio today relies on digital technology to expand its reach. Podcasts, streaming, and social media are becoming allies of FM radio, helping it reach a hyper-connected youth audience without neglecting its traditional listeners.

North-South Synergy for Tomorrow

FOMECAF 2026 is not just a place for learning; it is a space for sharing. The combination of technical expertise and the realities on the ground in Africa creates a unique dynamic. The ultimate goal? For every radio station to become a true driver of local development, addressing issues of health, agriculture, and citizenship with a strong and credible voice.

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."

It was in Kigali, Rwanda, that Médias Ebène participated last October in the continental seminar "Africa by Radio" (AbR), the English-speaking equivalent of the Forum des médias chrétiens d'Afrique francophone (FOMECAF), launched by our association in 2019. We played a central role in organizing the event, inviting key players, and moderating panels.

The choice of Rwanda, Congo's eastern neighbor, made it possible to welcome participants from Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These provinces are violently shaken by armed rebel groups (M23, ADF), where insecurity and radicalism threaten peace and democratic expression. The consequences are severe: mass displacement and human rights violations.

Yet, amid all this turmoil, Christian radio stations continue to serve as beacons of hope and resilience. Three Congolese radio stations embody this light and were present in Kigali: Radio Télé Réconciliation from Nyankunde (with Jean-Luc Simbilyabo), Radio Sola Deo Gloria from Bunyakiri (with Floribert Kikwabantu), and Radio Ebène from Bukavu Chaï (with Blaise Wemba).

Jean-Luc Simbilyabo, from Ituri, had already been awarded the François Sergy Prize at FOMECAF 2020 in Lomé for his “integral radio” project. More recently, his station has managed to survive by striking deals with armed groups. His account is poignant: he welcomed men onto the radio knowing that they had committed murders that very morning.

As the year draws to a close, the association would like to pay tribute to these true heroes, who embody the values of the Kingdom of God (justice, peace, faith, devotion). Their commitment is inspiring, as their waves carry a message of light where darkness reigns.

In Kigali, we also had the joy of meeting up again with friends from Niger and Mali, where the situation remains just as precarious. To all these peacemakers and messengers of good news, we offer our gratitude and our prayers.