Studio Ijambo

Media has been one of SFCG’s main conflict transformation tools since the Burundi program opened more than a decade ago. SFCG’s Studio Ijambo is a radio-production studio that employs an ethnically balanced team of journalists to produce high-quality radio programs that promote reconciliation, dialogue, and collaboration. The Studio is known for its credible, unbiased programming, which includes news, special features, round-tables, telephone call-ins, music, and a highly popular soap-opera series. In total, it supplies six different original programs, as well as spots and sketches to four of Burundi’s principal radio stations, including the state radio, every week. These programs examine different sides of various conflicts and highlight the concerns that unite, rather than divide. The Studio Ijambo slogan, “Dialogue is the future,” captures the essence of SFCG’s radio work in Burundi.

SFCG launched Studio Ijambo in 1995 at the height of ethnic and political violence in Burundi, and in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 during which so-called hate radio fomented hatred and promoted mass killings. The studio opened with the idea that if radio could be used for such negative, destructive forces, it could be used to promote much more positive ideals, namely to promote reconciliation, encourage mutual understanding and foster nonviolent conflict resolution. The recognition of the power of radio and the need to channel this power in a positive sense was the driving force behind Studio Ijambo's creation.

In addition to providing a quality standard for broadcasters and producers through its six weekly programmes, Studio Ijambo plays a central role in the capacity building of radio professionals through trainings and exchanges.  Studio Ijambo’s workshops have trained journalists in conflict-sensitive reporting, technicians in using the latest equipment, and producers in creating entertaining, transformative programs. The Studio’s approach has set a standard, which many radio stations and media professionals continue to aspire to and replicate.

In many countries, the word 'dialogue' is taken for granted. But in Burundi, the absence of dialogue is a breeding ground for rumours and misinformation. Key players in the Burundian media landscape have recognised the role that Studio Ijambo plays in opening up this space to promote dialogue. In addition, as stated in the 2004 USAID evaluation of SFCG’s Burundi program:

“The media programs have had a significant positive impact in mitigating conflict, because of the quality of design that enabled Search for Common Ground… to catch and hold the attention of the majority of the radio-listening population. Their productions have led to a new interaction between media and the political class over the period 2001-2004, and a universally recognized improvement in quality of reporting in the country as a whole.”
- Emery Brusset and Fabienne Hara, Evaluation of USAID Programs in Burundi: Search for Common Ground, July and August 2004, page vi.

Click here to view the full evaluation.

Click here to go to the Studio Ijambo page to listen to the most recent broadcasts or go through the archives. (This website is in French.)