The Public Information Office of MINURCAT celebrated in Abeche on 15 December 2009 the inauguration of its first radio programmes in eastern Tchad, which will be transmitted by the Internews radio networks in the towns of Abeche, Goz Beida and Iriba. Internews is an NGO funded primarily by UNHCR, USAID, and with contributions from other donors.

In a well-attended ceremony in Abeche, the Chief of Public Information, Michel Bonnardeaux, underscored the important role of radio in disseminating information particularly in the context of Tchad. He said that the launching of radio programmes comes handy with the need to beef up efforts to reach out to various stakeholders targeted in our mandate.

On her part, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Rima Salah, also present at the ceremony said the programmes will further assist the mission in fulfilling its mandate by explaining it to the refugees, the displaced and the host communities.

"We will be broadcasting a fifteen-minute programme every evening with a repeat on the following day," said Jumbe Omari Jumbe, who is heading the production unit, adding that, the radio will give more space to the coverage of MINURCAT activities. He said, by making people aware of our work, they will view us more as partners rather than just outsiders.