RFI and France 24 Banned in Togo Amid Media Restrictions

• RFI and France 24 face a media ban in Togo, highlighting media freedom issues.
• Listeners can engage with The Sound Kitchen via music requests and quizzes.
• The ePOP video competition seeks to amplify climate change testimonies.
• Resources for learning French are available through RFI’s platforms.
• This week’s quiz focuses on Togo’s political situation and past protests.

Togo Bans RFI and France 24 Amid Media Concerns

RFI and France 24 have been banned in Togo, prompting widespread attention and concern regarding media freedom in the region. This week on The Sound Kitchen, listeners will receive answers regarding the media ban, as well as news from our listeners and a feature on the ePOP video competition, an endeavor to highlight voices affected by climate change. Along with the customary features such as the ‘Listener’s Corner’ and Erwan Rome’s engaging segment, ‘Music from Erwan,’ there is a new quiz and some bonus questions to get listeners thinking!

Engage with the ePOP Video Competition

The weekly podcast of The Sound Kitchen, which airs every Saturday, remains a vital space for sharing listener engagement as well as crucial updates. This means hearing the names of quiz winners, discussing responses to literature, sharing quirky facts and news, and hosting interviews mixed with enjoyable music— all of this is designed to keep audiences coming back for more each week! Don’t forget about the ePOP video competition, which aims to connect the struggles of everyday people concerning climate change through poignant, unscripted storytelling. The competition runs from June 12 to September 12, 2025, and invites the submission of three-minute videos that capture true narratives through personal encounters, devoid of music and text, in a horizontal format.

Explore Learning Opportunities with RFI

Listeners are strongly encouraged to participate by sending music requests to us at [email protected], including your personal thoughts on why particular songs resonate. In addition, the recent revelation of our dedicated YouTube channel offers even more ways for audiences to connect; simply search for “RFI English” on YouTube. Furthermore, individuals interested in learning French are invited to explore resources like “Le Français facile avec RFI,” which provides slow broadcasts, eye-catching bilingual dramas, and a range of exercises tailored to different proficiency levels. As the head of that service, Lidwien van Dixhoorn recommends immersing oneself in the sounds of the language, underscoring that a consistent practice leads to growth.

Latest Quiz and Winners Announced

In the world of quizzes, we recently posed questions relating to Togo’s president and the political protests influencing media censorship. Congratulations to Sultan Mahmud Sarker from Bangladesh, the winner of both the primary quiz and the bonus question— outstanding work! This week, listeners can anticipate another stirring quiz question related to Dhananjay Khadilikar’s article about Swiss exoplanets and Earth’s significance in the universe. Don’t forget to submit your answers by September 22, as we will reveal the newest winners in the podcast airing on September 27.

A Musical Journey Through The Sound Kitchen

This week’s musical features have included notable compositions such as the “Raga Charu Keshi” by Ravi Shankar and traditional Togolese pieces. As we emphasize the unique blend of sounds that RFI presents, we remind our audience that music is a strong connector for our community. The engagement with listeners continues to grow, and we encourage feedback and ideas on music selections to enrich future episodes. Keep checking back for updates and surprises as we aim to keep our program dynamic and engaging—your input plays a crucial role in shaping The Sound Kitchen and reinforces the spirit of our community!

This week in The Sound Kitchen highlights the significant media ban in Togo impacting RFI and France 24, as well as the engaging ePOP video competition that focuses on environmental issues. Listeners are particularly encouraged to share their music requests and participate in the quizzes linked to current affairs. Stay tuned for upcoming podcasts, cherish the musical experience, and engage with learning opportunities through RFI’s array of content.