RFI launches two magazine programmes in Fula and Mandingo

These programmes give a voice to young people on social and topical issues that concern them, particularly through the “debate of the day", which has already addressed topics such as local recycling initiatives, illegal migration and the state of employment. They present projects conducted in Africa, provide practical advice, share cultural and musical discoveries, decrypt information and combat false rumours.

"The logic behind these programmes in Fula and Mandingo is to talk to young people who feel that they do not always have the right to speak about social issues. They act like a megaphone or sounding board for them."
Frédéric Garat, coordinator of RFI's Mandingo and Fula editorial offices.

The two magazine programmes have an interactive format, which is very popular with the listeners. Young people are invited to the studio to tell their story and present the projects they have carried out.

"We get people in entrepreneurial roles. I think that, today, if people who do not believe in themselves listen to the programme and hear a guest who galvanises them in their own language, they will want to get started too, until one day the cameras come to them. The guests become examples, which is very encouraging and exciting."
Aïssatou Sy, host of the programme in Fula.

The content promotes gender equality, both through the issues addressed and through the presence of women, as guests, interviewees or hosts.

The programme in Fula was created thanks to a collaboration between CFI and RFI, as part of the MediaSahel. project. This is the 16th language to have entered the airwaves.
The launch of a magazine programme in Fula is important for the integration and participation of young people in Africa. Up until now, no international radio station had broadcast in the Fula language, leaving a vacuum conducive to sensationalist, sectarian and even dangerous misinformation.
Access to information in this language also makes it possible to open up communities that are sometimes deprived and left behind by development policies, to provide them with new perspectives on their country and the world.

"The benefit of programmes in these two languages lies in reaching out to those who are at the 'end of the road'. They are extremely proud of this, especially because they give them access to the microphone, in a language that is little used in the media."
Frédéric Garat, coordinator of RFI's Mandingo and Fula editorial offices

During the first broadcast of the magazine programme in Fula, RFI received more than 1,100 calls from listeners wishing to contribute. This success proves that the programmes live up to real expectations in African countries.
These 30-minute programmes are broadcast every Saturday and Sunday:

Keep up-to-date with the programme in Mandingo.
Facebook page.
Contact the programme on WhatsApp: + 221 772 62 41 41

Keep up-to-date with the programme in Fula.
Listen again to its podcasts.
Facebook page.
Contact the programme on WhatsApp: + 221 772 67 31 31.