Internews reinforces the capacity of community radio to support the process of reconciliation, peace-building and social cohesion
Bonnie Allen/Internews

Cote d'Ivoire

Over two years since the end of the post-electoral crisis which led to an estimated 3,000 deaths, Cote d’Ivoire remains in a fragile state of peace.  Despite improved economic growth and continued attempts by President Ouattara’s administration to promote social cohesion and communal reconciliation, sporadic outbreaks of violence and ethnic tension continue to threaten the nation’s stability. 

Internews’ work in Cote d’Ivoire has focused on rebuilding community radio stations in Western Cote d’Ivoire, the region most heavily affected by the conflict.  By training staff at local radio stations to more effectively communicate information related to reconciliation efforts and helping local journalists to understand new communications technologies, Internews helped to improve the reputation of local radio as an importance source of information for the community.  Internews also developed a strong partnership with the School of Journalism -  Institute des Science et de la Technique de la Communication (ISTC) – to build an online independent, credible news platform. Www.newsivoire.com, is one of the few neutral, independently owned and operated sources of national news in the country, giving people access to more credible information.

Internews’ most recent project in Cote d’Ivoire, “On Air for Peace: Improving Reliability and Credibility of Community Radio in Cote d’Ivoire,” was funded by the US Department of State, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

More Information

Radio for Social Cohesion in the West of Côte D’Ivoire, a project of Internews Europe.

Link: 
Assessment: Local Media Landscape and Information Needs of Ivorian Refugees in Eastern Liberia, April 2011

Related Stories

  • Cote d’Ivoire Radio Station, Looted and Burned, Returns to the Airwaves

    Tuesday, September 11, 2012
    Man listens to a portable radio

    While violence has largely subsided, Cote d’Ivoire is still suffering from the effects of the post-electoral crisis that resulted in more than 3,000 deaths and left tens of thousands of people displaced, following the December 2010 disputed presidential election. In recent months, there have been a series of alarming outbreaks of violence that have led to a new wave of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Read more »

  • Aid Agencies Must Do More to Help Refugees Communicate Back Home

    Sunday, June 12, 2011 - Interdependent

    In early April, Dgihi, a 37-year-old mother of 10, fled her Côte d’Ivoire village when it was attacked by rebels during the months-long conflict seizing the West African nation at the time. She lost track of her husband and two of her daughters in the chaos, and after a week of walking, she and her other eight children waited in a Liberian village, hoping that her family would cross in the same way. She had no other way to reach them. Read more »

More stories >>