Created in 2000 by Fondation Hirondelle, Radio Ndeke Luka is the most listened-to radio station in the Central African Republic. The station broadcasts live 24/7 in French and Sango through around a dozen FM transmitters, and partners with around 10 community radio stations. It is also available on Canal+ Afrique and social media.
For 25 years, Radio Ndeke Luka has aimed to fulfil a public service function, helping to resolve daily problems and vital issues in a country confronted with crises and governance challenges. With its team of around a hundred people, the station produces and broadcasts a range of content including 13 daily news bulletins, debates, educational shows, entertainment, music and current affairs programmes.
Key Figures 2024
10 partner radio stations
8 790 broadcast hours
120 people trained
3,2 million weekly listeners (2024)
53 000 social media followers
2 broadcast languages
Financial Volume 2024
2,184,704 CHF
Sources of Funding
• European Union
• Switzerland (Project Contribution)
• Switzerland (SDC Core Contribution)
• Communication Partnership Contracts
• UNICEF
RELIABLE NEWS: A VEHICLE FOR SOCIAL COHESION AND PEACE IN CAR
Political tensions and the social and economic crisis have continued to fuel an unstable security environment in the Central African Republic. In this fragile climate, the role of independent media is essential in helping to bring about lasting peace and reconciliation at the national, local and community levels. Yet the technically and economically fragile Central African media sector is highly exposed to the risk of manipulation for geopolitical reasons, as well as to the tide of disinformation flooding the country.
Faced with these complex challenges, Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL) and its partner radio stations have developed news and discussion programmes that consider the changing political and security context as well as the population’s need for reconciliation and recovery. RNL has placed the focus on local news, giving communities a voice and establishing the link between decisions taken in Bangui and their impact on the country’s regions. It covers topics ranging from issues of national significance (reconciliation processes, sustainable peace) to the day-to-day concerns of Central Africans (access to basic social services, mobility, minority issues).
I trust RNL news 100% because it’s reliable, truthful and fact-checked.
Listener from the Mboko area
RNL broadcasts on 100.9 FM from its transmitters in Bangui, Bambari, Bangassou, Beloko, Berberati, Birao, Bossangoa, Bouar, Bozoum, Bria, Mobaye, Ndele and Obo. Its presence on Canal Satellite Afrique enables it to reach audiences throughout the country. Listeners can also stream the station from its website.
RNL produces its news and discussion programmes daily and is committed to covering all of the country’s news. In order to work as closely as possible with communities, journalists travel and produce programmes in the field. A dedicated team produces specific media education and fact-checking contents.
From now on, I’m going to check all news before sharing it.
Adèle Pelé, vendor at Bouboui market in Mobaye
In 2025, Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL) is pursuing its efforts to guarantee all Central Africans access to reliable, independent and accessible information that favours coexistence and peacebuilding. Thanks to its efforts, citizens are developing an understanding of the issues and of the democratic and electoral processes, the national media landscape is strengthened, and the media is taking an active role in countering disinformation.
In order to foster a culture of fact-checked news among Central Africans, media education strategies are being implemented to counter fake news and hate speech.
RNL’s editorial team receives skills training on subjects such as the production of new digital formats, investigative journalism, and coverage of the electoral process ahead of the December 2025 presidential election.
2024 AUDIENCE SURVEY
Audience surveys conducted in 2022 and 2024 showed that in CAR, radio is still the most popular news medium, ranking higher than television with 75% of the population aged 15 and over listening to the radio at least once a day. The study revealed that almost all of those surveyed had heard of Radio Ndeke Luka (RNL): in 2024, 91% of Central Africans spontaneously mentioned RNL when asked about the media. With 71% of Central Africans claiming that they listen daily, RNL is the country’s main radio station and the only Central African media outlet to produce and broadcast independent and professional news in French and Sango throughout the country. RNL listeners are very attached to the station, with 92% stating that its programmes are useful, or even essential (2024 IMMAR audience survey).