Burundi

Studio Ijambo

“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.”
- Emery Brusset and Fabienne Hara, USAID

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 highly popular soap-opera series.

SFCG launched Studio Ijambo in 1995 at the height of ethnic and political violence in Burundi, when hate radio prompted genocide in neighboring Rwanda. The studio opened with the idea that if radio could be used for such destruction, it could be used to promote reconciliation, understanding and foster nonviolent conflict resolution.

In addition to providing a quality standard for broadcasters and producers, 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.

In many countries, the word 'dialogue' is taken for granted. But in Burundi, the absence of unbiased communication is a breeding ground for rumours and misinformation. Studio Ijambo plays an important role in opening up this space to promote dialogue.

Click here to go to the Studio Ijambo page to listen to the most recent broadcasts or go through the archives. (en Français)

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