Ten years later, RFI commemorates the double assassination of its reporters, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon in Kidal, in northern Mali. On November 2, 2013, Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon, reporting to prepare a series of programs devoted to reconciliation and the reconstruction of Mali, were kidnapped by jihadists in the center of Kidal, then murdered a few tens of minutes later. 12 kilometers from the city.
This year marks the tenth anniversary of their tragic disappearance, but for RFI, it is more important than ever to pass on their passion for reporting and their professionalism to the new generation of African journalists. Thus, RFI is launching the tenth edition of the Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon Scholarship, offering the possibility to ten young journalists and ten young African technicians to benefit from training and to be awarded a scholarship.
The Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon Scholarship is aimed at young journalists and reporting technicians aged under 35 residing in one of the 25 French-speaking countries of Africa. Candidates must have at least two years’ experience in the radio field. Applications must be sent before Friday, August 25 at midnight, Paris time.
The training will take place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, from Monday October 16 to Sunday October 29, 2023. Selected participants will have the opportunity to follow workshops led by professionals from RFI, the Ivorian press, the Ecole in Journalism from Sciences Po and INA. At the end of the training, the journalists will produce a report, while the technicians will create a sound element. A jury composed of representatives of RFI and partner institutions will select the winners in each category.
The scholarship will be awarded on November 2, the international day to end impunity for crimes against journalists. It is within the framework of this event that the winners will receive their scholarship during a ceremony in Abidjan. In addition, the winners will benefit from a one-month training in Paris to perfect their skills and allow them to advance their careers in the field of journalism.
The Ghislaine Dupont and Claude Verlon Scholarship is a tribute paid to two passionate journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession. It is also a unique opportunity for young African journalists to develop their skills and pursue their commitment to quality journalism