From now on, Alain Foka and RFI are over. Really finished. After announcing his departure from Radio France International, Cameroonian journalist Alain Foka, who hosted several programs on RFI, launched a new participatory media called Manssah, this Sunday, October 22 in Lomé, Togo.
Photo of Alain Foka co-founder of Manssah | photo credit: RFI
An unsurprising departure
One of the leaders of Radio France International – RFI -, Alain Foka, has resigned after spending more than thirty years on the airwaves of Radio France International. He hosted shows, such as: African media et The African Debate. But, many of us have known him through African Archives. On his page Twitterhe declares: “I have decided and chosen to leave RFI at the end of October 2023.” Further, he states: “It has been an enriching experience, and I thank you for your broad support…”
To another media?
Still on his Twitter page, Alain Foka wants to be reassuring: “Be reassured, this is only a goodbye, I would even say a new beginning, since I will continue to offer you the African narrative on my digital platform where you are already several million to follow me and where I hope for even more of you. » It didn’t take long. Indeed, with several people from different layers of society, such as academics, historians, politicians and businessmen… Alain co-founded a firm which aims to define a management model adapted to Africa.
Screenshot of Manssah’s first meeting During the presentation of the members and the main thread of the event | photo credit: Instagram
Mansah, why?
Manssah, in Bambara means chief, king… leader. On the site page, MANSSAH refers to one of the most powerful kings of the time in Africa. Mansa Kankou Moussa is a character who is both historical and legendary. He’s a bit like the Bill Gates or the Elon Musk of this era, when it comes to wealth. King Moussa is one of the successors of the very charismatic Sundiata Kéita. The story goes that he owned more than ten thousand tons of gold.
Manssah, a pan-African body
Manssah aims to tell the true story of Africans. As if to put into practice the assertion with which he bombarded us every Saturday morning: “The history of hunting must stop being told solely from the hunter’s point of view. » Manssah will aim to provide concrete responses to subjects such as education, the economy, health, governance, etc. In addition to being “a space for expression and sharing”, each African will be able to give your point of view regarding the evils that undermine the African continent.
Manssah and Mamane’s first clashes
Mamane, the RFI morning columnist, was quick to scold his former colleague about what the latter calls “African democracy”. Indeed, in a tweet, Mama Gondwana declared: “We want African democracy; not your imported democracy and interference from the international community. All right. When do you start? We are waiting for funding from the international community.”