Ten years later, RFI commemorates the double assassination of its reporters Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, which occurred in Kidal, in northern Mali. On November 2, 2013, these two journalists were on assignment to prepare a series of programs devoted to reconciliation and the reconstruction of Mali when they were kidnapped by jihadists and assassinated a few minutes later.
In order to perpetuate their memory and pass on their professionalism and their passion for reporting, RFI is launching the tenth edition of the Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon Scholarship. This scholarship is open to young journalists and technicians under the age of 35 residing in one of the 25 French-speaking countries of Africa. The training will take place in Abidjan and applications will be open until Friday, August 25 midnight, Paris time.
This grant, created in tribute to Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, rewards a young African journalist and technician each year. The selected candidates will participate in training in Abidjan from October 16 to 29, 2023, which will lead to the production of a report for journalists and a sound element for technicians. A jury made up of representatives from RFI, the Ivorian press, the Sciences Po School of Journalism and INA will select the winners, who will receive a one-month training in Paris.
This commemoration of the Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon Scholarship also comes at a time when the United Nations has declared November 2 as the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Committed against Journalists. It is therefore an opportunity to recall the importance of journalism and freedom of the press in our society.
It is important to emphasize that this scholarship aims to support and encourage young African talents in the field of journalism and media. By enabling these young people to benefit from quality training and showcase their skills, RFI is helping to strengthen the media sector in Africa.
In conclusion, the commemoration of the double assassination of Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon through the Stock Exchange that bears their name is a way of perpetuating their legacy and promoting press freedom in Africa. By offering this opportunity to young journalists and technicians on the continent, RFI is helping to train the next generation of media professionals who, in turn, can inspire and inform the public with integrity and professionalism