Today we celebrate the grand opening of Banda FM – the first and only independent radio station in the Bas Uele district of Democratic Republic of Congo. The radio tower transmits signals over 100km and is an impressive 300 feet tall. It provides a critical means of communication from the community to members of the LRA encouraging and instructing them to escape.
The grand opening included speeches, dancing, and singing. A local community member thanked Invisible Children for helping to bring the tower to Banda:
“On behalf of the Banda community, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Invisible Children has fought alongside us… Your videos have shown our suffering and they advocate for peace and equality for all.”
Offering similar sentiments, our International Programs Director, Adam Finck, spoke to the crowd:
“We’re here to celebrate every radio tower that’s put up. We’re here to celebrate every single “come home” message that you play, every escapee who comes out and finds the courage to leave the bush. We will be celebrating with you.”
The commissioning happened at a crucial time, as there have been an increase in LRA activity and sightings in Bas Uele, in close proximity to Banda. The community is hoping they will be able to target the group of LRA moving in their territory and encourage defections.
This new tower will enhance an existing radio station – Radio Community Tambuahe – which means “a radio of a grateful community.” Already, the tower is improving communication as it delivers messages to the LRA twice a day.
To learn more about “come home” messaging, visit our site.
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