CAR is going through high political tension in the post-election period. The security climate there is extremely deteriorated. In this context, several Central African media, including Radio Ndeke Luka, as well as international media, have been subjected since late December to a smear campaign that calls into question the quality of the information being broadcast. Fondation Hirondelle and Radio Ndeke Luka call on the Central African authorities and members of the international community present in CAR to guarantee the role of independent media and the freedom to inform in the country.

This campaign and these attacks against the team of Radio Ndeke Luka in particular and its work are being carried out on social networks by politically active and identified individuals.

Since its inception in 2000, Ndeke Luka has covered four electoral processes. Its policy and editorial line remains the same: to contribute to the smooth running of the polls and elections through its ongoing work of producing and broadcasting journalistic content.

Today, we would like to recall our role and mandate:

 - Radio Ndeke Luka produces daily factual, verified, and quality information in a concern for transparency and the duty to inform the Central African people.

 - The charter of Radio Ndeke Luka imposes on its journalists rules of ethics and deontology of journalism that exclude propaganda and imposes a rigorous, balanced and independent treatment of information.

 - Through this work, Radio Ndeke Luka contributes to social cohesion and efforts to establish lasting peace and the rule of law in CAR.

 - In this way, Radio Ndeke Luka maintains the relationship of trust that has linked it to the Central African population for 20 years.

Radio Ndeke Luka, a media created and supported by the Swiss NGO Fondation Hirondelle, calls on the Central African authorities, Central Africans, members of the international community present in the country, and all actors supporting the peace and democracy process in the Central African Republic, to guarantee the role of independent media and the freedom to inform and be informed.

For more information, you can contact

Nicolas Boissez, Head of Communication and External Relations, Fondation Hirondelle. Tel: +41 21 654 20 23 / mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download this press release in .pdf version (FRENCH only).