In Fussep, in Cameroon’s West Region, Radio Communautaire Fussep has become a driving force for local development. At its helm is Claude Tiatse Nkue, a passionate communicator and advocate for sustainable development who has turned his love for radio into a tool for citizen education and social change.
Born with a physical disability, Mr. Nkue never let obstacles stand in his way. After completing training in socio-cultural facilitation, he discovered the power of radio as a tool for community mobilization. In 2007, he began as a host at Radio Voix des Montagnes with a program called Itinéraire. In 2019, supported by the Fussep community and its traditional leader, he founded Radio Communautaire Fussep to promote local culture and encourage dialogue on development issues.
Mr. Nkue says the mission of the radio is to “promote the cultural heritage of the Fussep people while sharing local knowledge and supporting education, good governance, and sustainable development.”
Under his leadership, the station offers several key programs. Among them is Vitalité, produced in partnership with Farm Radio International, which discusses issues such as illicit financial flows, public debt, and local governance. Another program, Espace Citoyen, is broadcast every Wednesday in collaboration with Zenû Network and focuses on challenges affecting young people, including drug use, school violence, and moral degradation.
The radio also partners with CRADEC (the African Centre for Endogenous and Community Development) and FODER (Forests and Rural Development). These organizations help the station produce and broadcast programs about transparency, anti-corruption, and citizen participation. According to Mr. Nkue, these partnerships “help ensure that our content reflects real community needs and delivers programs that truly impact listeners’ lives.”
The impact is already visible. Community participation in local budget presentations has grown from a few dozen people to more than 300 per municipality. The station’s programs on sustainable agriculture also prompted authorities to ban the sale and use of certain harmful pesticides.
To strengthen ties with listeners, the radio’s audience created the Fussep Radio Fan Club — “The Radio of the Listeners.” The club meets monthly to discuss program content, share feedback, and make suggestions.Mr. Nkue explains that “this space for dialogue allows us to adapt our programs to local realities and increase community engagement.”
Despite limited funding for field reporting, Mr. Nkue and his team are determined to expand their initiatives. Soon, they will launch On va se marier (“We’re Getting Married”) in partnership with Zenû Network — a new program that encourages young people to form stable families and contribute to community life.
For Mr. Nkue, collaboration remains the key to success. He says, “Working hand in hand with civil society ensures that our programs stay relevant and useful. A community radio must be a public service — at the heart of social change.”