Radio Okapi Kindu: The Station that Helped Bring Peace to the Congo

by Jennifer Bakody

When Jennifer Bakody stepped off the plane in Kinshasa in 2004, she walked right into the most arduous and inspiring job an idealistic young journalist from Nova Scotia could ever imagine. After seven years of brutal warfare involving eight neighboring countries and several million deaths, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had just agreed a tentative ceasefire. A week later Bakody finds herself 1,500 miles up the Congo River in the heart of the country's jungle, managing a small UN-backed radio station.

Welcome to Radio Okapi Kindu. Welcome too to its team of hard-working local reporters determined to cover the complex events in the country’s rapid march towards elections. One day rebel soldiers are walking out of their jungle enclaves and handing in their weapons; the next, it’s time for some music, or some public service announcements. Then one of the journalists is accused of lying, and Bakody finds herself confronting a general of the Congolese army in his own living room, while armed guards look on.

When a public lynching in Kindu is followed by an outbreak of violence in a nearby city, Bakody begins to realize how little she understands the complexities of the country’s politics—and how little she has at stake compared to her colleagues. Maintaining the rigor of Radio Okapi’s editorial line suddenly seems like a matter of life or death. As the pressure builds and the team redoubles its efforts to bring its listeners accurate and impartial news, they realize they are targets too. How long can one small station of the “Frequency for Peace” stand the strain?

Radio Okapi Kindu is a touching memoir of a young journalist’s coming of age and a love song to a poor but astonishingly beautiful country recovering from a decade of war.

Genres: Africa, Nonfiction, Memoir, History, Historical, Biography Memoir, Democratic Republic Of The Congo

342 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2017

About the author

JENNIFER BAKODY is a Canadian of diverse ancestry grateful to her strong family roots for the chance to embrace the world. She is the author of Radio Okapi Kindu: The Station That Helped Bring Peace to the Congo. She lives in Singapore.

Reviews

[Janice Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is one born a humanitarian? Or is a humanitarian made?
Jennifer Bakody's memoir of her time in the Congo is as much about what it is to work with the UN personnel and the NGO personnel and the local staff in Kindu as it is about the success of Radio Okapi.
The political climate, the natural environment, the food, the transportation would make many of us shy away. But Jennifer goes in, eyes open, eager to serve and learn. I doubt many of us could, or would consider such an assignment.
I loved this book. There were parts I didn't quite grasp, mostly because I don't know much about the Congo and the political situation, but I did try to research and understand. I loved the people she worked with from around the world, the people of Kindu and the Congo, their spirit, their resilience. I loved that Jennifer simply and unselfishly sacrificed personal comfort to get an important job done with no complaining or whining. I love her writing style, she is a wordsmith. I sat in the hot UN building with her and watched the fluorescent green bugs. She described her staff so well that they became co-workers as one read through the book. I liked that she was honest about herself and her strengths and weaknesses. I held my breath when shots were fired, and I turned my nose up when live termites were offered as a snack.
Success, struggle, strength. Radio Okapi Kindu is a beautiful, raw, honest read.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this well-written account of the author's experience in the Congo. The Congolese characters charmed me. Plus I greatly enjoyed the descriptions of the scenery - less so the workings of the UN and the radio, but the book certainly left me with the utmost respect for what the characters were able to achieve towards peace and stability in their small city. A solid four-star read.

[Marco Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review was a bit hard to formulate, so slept on it. I gave it five stars, but wanted to give it 4 on the basis of a few faults. (Too many characters, dense at times.) But this book has something that I can't quite put my finger on. It's like the opposite of self-absorbed. I actually wished I heard more insights from the author. Could have used some jazzing up. What I did get, hence the five stars and not four, was real substance, interesting stuff, as opposed to the cliche you usually get when foreigners write about Africa. So I'm giving it five for showing and not telling and for all the pitfalls it avoided, knowing its probably closer to a 4.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first heard about this book on CBC Radio, I was intrigued for three main reasons--I have an ongoing fascination with African culture, I was a shortwave radio junkie back in the day, and I have contemplated a number of times working on assignment for the UN (although I am, alas, not a radio broadcaster or public information officer, as is the case with Ms. Bakody).

I struggled in a couple of places in the text. As others have noted, there were a lot of characters, some major and minor, and I had trouble keeping track of them all. There are lots of acronyms, but there is a guide to these (although I didn't discover this until the end of the ebook version). At times I was unclear of what actually happened in certain situations - but maybe it wasn't clear to the author or at least better left undisclosed due to privacy or other concerns.

However, ultimately, I very much enjoyed the book and would recommend it. It delivered somewhat on my interests although perhaps not completely--but then again, they are *my* interests; the book is very much a memoir and not an in-depth exploration of Congo culture or politics or the UN (although you do get a taste of all three - I'm now in search of Congolese rhumba!) The book did allow me to reflect on whether I really would like to work for the UN at some point and how I might deal with a remote location like Kindu with limited modern conveniences in the midst of a hesitant peace. I'm still not decided and at one point thought, no, this wouldn't be the life for me. But by the end of the book, I felt more inspired by Ms. Bakody's story--by the friendships she made, the good work she did, and by how the country and her colleagues touched her life.

I would also say the book allows you to reflect on the importance of a free, independent, and accurate media and of "citizen journalism." And when I say "citizen journalism" I do not mean the cheap kind (car crashes and explosions caught by anyone with an iPhone) or the lousy kind (the rantings of political partisans disguised as news) but instead the kind made by people who are dedicated to relevant and reliable programming and storytelling in aid of democracy.

So it's a timely message, not just for the "faraway" Third World but also for the close-to-home First World, where facts have become "alternative," truth is in the mind of the beholder, and journalists are labeled unfairly and unwisely as the "enemy of the people."

[Janosch · Rating 3 out of 5]

Having worked in Kindu in 2010, I truly enjoyed reading this book both to be reminded of this special place and to learn about the peacekeeping Missions's media outlet Radio Okapi. The language and content are super accessible and given my personal interest I breezed through the 300-page book in less than a week. However, I think that other readers might be left wanting for some deeper reflections on any of the very interesting subject matters. The radio station, beliefs and culture, the armed conflicts, power-relations of expats, working with Congolese colleagues, the experience of the heavy bureaucracy of the UN, Kindu's role in the province, journalism in DRC, sexuality, love etc. are all brought up in a rather superficial way. So it's a nice story but it could have gone a lot further.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book ad will read it again before the summer is through. Fascinating subject, which the author conveyed very well. Had never heard of Radio Okapi. Great use of words and a strong narrative structure. The author has a warm heart, which is something I like. Life too short to spend time with jerks, even - especially! - in a book!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Talk about an education!
I mean, Jennifer Bakody (the author) got schooled about the Congo and all its recent political turmoil during her broadcasting assignment for Radio OKAPI, then turned right around and gave the readers of her book a lot of lessons. It's not an easy read, the names of people and conflicts get rather tangle-y, and I lost track of the parties "in power" sometimes, but the more chapters I read, the more I cared about what was happening and the people who lived there.
I also learned so much about broadcasting, journalism, behind the scenes lives of those who are providing the public with news and entertainment via the radio.
Jennifer has an earnest, honest voice. She writes in such a way that even when I felt like giving up on the book because the politics were overwhelming, I kept reading to "see what happened" to her and the other journalists.
This was a Goodreads giveaway that once again took me by surprise, one that I will be able to recommend to those of my friends who want to read outside the U.S.-centric box, those who wish to get a better and bigger world view. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to read and review such a fascinating, uncomfortable (for me) book!

[Gregg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going to be bold and give five stars to a book I only started enjoying about a quarter, even third the way through! The first section was deceptively simple (apart from the frustration of the acronyms and insider talk) and quite frankly I was getting bored by it. I was sure the main character/author was, although nice enough, naive to the point of dull. I thought, are all UN workers so clueless?

Turns out, folks, you need to put your thinking cap on for this one! Because by the end the story had drawn me into a far fuller picture that had somehow snuck up on me. This is the rare kind of nonfiction book I love - one that sidesteps stereotypes, traditional narrative arcs (foreigner goes to Africa to discover himself and teach or learn from nice Africans), and my expectations as a reader to make me THINK. Specifically it has left me thinking about the role of media, the global order, the strengths and limitations of the UN, and because the author was so forthcoming about her and her Congolese colleagues learning curves (who are equally portrayed with warts and all), I'm also thinking about nonfiction work of this sort in general.

Because with all the time that the book shows has passed between then and now (and by the way now we know Congo hasn't turned out to be near as peaceful as it was looking at the time), the author could have easily erased all the dull, simple bits and started out with the more insightful stuff at the end to paint herself as some sort of expert and her colleagues as saintly beings.

But then I wouldn't have been thinking like I am now.

So to sum up, I found this to be an extremely credible, thought-provoking story with much to say. Highly recommend! In the hope for better days for Congo.

[Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have ever lived and loved the Congo, Radio Okapi Kindu (by Jennifer Bakody) is for you. More than an account of the radio station that brings over half of the country together, it is a personal story about living and learning this beautiful and complicated country.

Jennifer was in the Congo far before I did - in fact, the book ends just as I had landed in Goma in 2010 when the Haiti earthquake struck (I still remember having breakfast at VIP Hotel that next morning); she also obviously saw a more chaotic Congo than I did during the period of transitional government. Nonetheless, the book brought me down my own memory lane. She captures all the small things so well it made me chuckle: the way people talked ("En tout cas..." "Vraiment" "Eh!"...), the mannerisms, the pace, how people would ask after your whole family even if they were in pain on a hospital bed.

Above all, she puts to words all the emotions I had as a naive foreigner arriving in the Congo wrapping my head around the layers upon layers that every story seemed to have, the feeling of being alive in a place that constantly stimulated all your senses, the awkward sense of guilt of being in position of authority over people whom you constantly wonder "Who I am to ever teach them anything?", the cultural shock of being back to the so called "real world" as if Congolese people weren't living a real life in Congo, the pang of guilt and regret after leaving of not having connected deeper on a personal level with people I'd come to care for very deeply... It felt cathartic reading this book.

[Tim Sneath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly enjoyed this memoir of the author's time in a country with both hope and tremendous challenge. She writes with compassion and humanity of the UN attempt to increase trust amongst various factions and set the seeds for reconciliation through a public radio station. I loved how honest she was about her time: the contributions she was able to make and the blunders that inevitably come from parachuting into an existing environment. I have had the privilege of serving on the US boards of a couple of health and transformational charities working in Goma dealing with the victims of gender-based violence, and her unvarnished portrayal of the challenges and opportunities of the eastern DRC was incredibly interesting to read.

While I'm sure those who read this book are somewhat more acquainted with sub-Saharan Africa than the typical reader, I'd love to have heard more from Jennifer about how she experienced the DRC as a fresh arrival: what preconceptions were unfounded, how she got settled into the day-to-day of living in a very different country, and simply the sights, sounds and smells of living in such a beautiful part of the world. I'd also have loved to hear more of her reflections on her time there and the broader effectiveness of the work that the UN and myriad NGOs undertake. She's a great writer, and so hopefully there's more to come (at least a blog post or two)!

Highly recommended!

[Nicky Shellens · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book enormously, although strangely my biggest "like" about it was nothing to do with radio or the Congo or peace but was the overwhelming openness and honesty of the writer. It is a genuine, open memoir from someone who obviously loved her colleagues (to varying degrees) and her work, and over her time in Kindu developed from a naive expat going in to "teach" the locals how to do things into someone who realised how much she didn't know and how much there was to learn from her new colleagues. To me it somehow read almost like a coming of age book but without the huge pitfalls and often cringeworthy "going to Africa to find myself" overtones; all credit to the skill of the author for being able to bring this off!

There is real humour in the way the narrator treats the main character (herself) and the local colour is vibrant and alluring (apart from the mosquitoes and canteen food both of which sound horrendous). In terms of constructive criticism, all I would say is that perhaps a little bit more emphasis on how the station contributed to peace (maybe a look at a few more of the more controversial stories and how the station handled them) would have - for me at least - made it clearer exactly what the impact of the radio station actually was. However it's a very minor point and I have no hesitation in recommending this book to - actually - more or less everyone!

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book! Strange thing, at first I didn't know where it was going. I don't think it was what I expected. Although I'm not entirely sure what I did expect. Regardless, I liked it more and more as I kept going and by the end it all came together. I don't want to give it away, except to hint to others that there was something I figured out late in the game -- which makes it sound like a mystery when it wasn't at all. I think what I mean is there were parallels between the radio's simple pared down news approach and the approach the author took in telling the story that I wasn't seeing but that I now realize in retrospect were certainly purposeful and in fact, cleverly done (am writing this two days after finishing the book). I actually only picked it up on a whim because I'm a radio junkie and I liked the cover when I came across it in the store. Good instincts I guess! I read through some of the other reviews here and for me the "peace" part didn't put me off. Their village was obviously more peaceful at the end than the beginning, I didn't think it was supposed to mean anything more than that.

[Ingeborg Moa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book as bedtime reading for humanitarian-/development-workers/social justice activists :)
It is a bit hard to write a review without spoiling the experience, so I will make it a bit short :). I would say though that my initial slight scepticism to the somewhat naive language and approach of the author/main character in the beginning of the book, quickly evaporated as I continued to read on. The story definitely becomes both darker and more complex as you get past the first few chapters, and the characters who are a bit one-dimensional to begin with, become complex and interesting. Much the same as probably what happens in the process of arriving in an unknown country and starting to work with new people.
For those reading on kindle, it is useful to know that there is a glossary in the back with explanations for all those UN- and other abbreviations. I just remembered to check if there was one towards the end of the read, since you don't flip through a book on kindle in the same way as you do a regular book :)

[Lesleymcinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the author of this very readable book while working in Kinshasa, DRC so looked forward to reading what I expected to be Jennifer's account of life in the jungle to compare with my relatively comfortable work experience at "head office" in the Congolese capital. What surprised me totally was how drawn I was to Jennifer's sensitive, pragmatic and professional approach to what would have been, to me, the daunting task of surviving in such a potentially hostile work environment. Her details of daily life, both at Radio Okapi and on the streets of Kindu, her obvious respect for her mainly Congolese colleagues, enthusiastic love of journalism, and passion to understand the intricacies of DRC politics show up on every page. The book is well-written, and, at times, a compelling read! I found some interspersed historical references interrupted the flow on occasion but overall this book is an honest, interesting and informative account of international life in the heart of the Congo, at a critical political moment for the Congolese. A book obviously written from the heart. I intend to read it again and recommend it to former colleagues. Thank you, Jennifer!

[Natasha Granatstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read. While it deals with seemingly complex international conflict, the story itself feels effortless. The author brings us along with her every step of the way as she lands in the middle of a post-war African city. I could smell, taste and feel the story. She tells the story of a nation through the lives of regular people who are trying to tell regular stories at a radio station. It's inspiring. It's funny. It's non-fiction that pulls you in and keeps you flipping pages like great fiction.

[Sarah-Lee Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this wonderful memoir in mere days. I shamefully knew very little about what was (is) actually happening in the Congo, and this book helped to open my eyes. With the use of interesting events, warm characters and a true "voice" I felt like I was getting an honest account. It amazing the difference a small radio station can achieve! I also enjoyed watching Jennifer, at times, blunder through a new culture and her honesty about herself was refeshing.

[Collingwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a little time and effort at the beginning of the book to become familiar with a place and people that were all foreign to me. By the end, I was fully invested and it was a timely reminder of how fragile democracy can be and the efforts required to sustain it. During our 150th year, it was also nice to support a new Canadian author and to enjoy Canadian references.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book, who knew the truth value of "Radio" in this modern age. Jennifer's personal adventure all couched in the lives of the people of the DRC is an eye opening adventure to reader.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a trip down memory-lane for me, as it would be for nearly anyone who has worked in DRC or in a developing country context. A joyous read - showing the personal side of working cross-culturally. Makes me wish I had kept a journal.. but thanks to the author for writing this!

[Sara Roth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adored this little gem of a book! It was vivid, and at times funny and touching. Maybe it helps that okapis are my favorite animals. I cried at the end, which I always like. I learned a lot about Africa. I want to learn more now. And I want to go!

[Gokul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just got the book. Will read soon and post my thoughts.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable read. I learned much about the DRC and the working of radio. I think Figure 1 did a great job on the aesthetics. It was a nice book to hold and return to.

[MJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, I know the author. This is how I knew about the book. Turns out, the story is everything that I personally look for in a true story like this: informative, highly descriptive, and the reader builds-up empathy with the characters. Takes big topics and makes them relatable.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gained a copy of this book through a book club giveaway organized by the author, and so glad I got the chance to read it! Although I must admit at the beginning I was a bit skeptical I would engage in the story (too many characters and abbreviations, very particular context (Congo) I was not familiar with) it quickly picked up and I read the last 200 pages in one go. I really enjoyed the evolution of the characters and events, and I found the story itself of Radio Okapi very interesting. I would recommend this book to any humanitarian worker and also anyone with interest in post-conflict and peacebuilding contexts. Thanks Jennifer for having shared with us your experiences and for having included the part on your relationships, which I think many humanitarian workers could relate to! Cheers!

[WaiYen Jas Wong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite an easy read, and enjoyable on the whole. I was sitting by Lake Kivu in Kibuye, western Rwanda when I read the bulk of this book. Having travelled a little in East Africa, scenes from this book are not totally foreign to me. Jennifer presents a compelling narrative of her experiences in the DRC, as (a small) part of the MONUC team. It does not purport to do anything more than convey her personal experiences and anecdotes that she had gathered. She has a vivid descriptive style that shines through every so often - while those are enjoyable to read as an appreciation of literary expressions, there were times when I felt they distracted from the narrative at hand. *Would I recommend this book?* yes, if you're looking for an easy read to get a tiny glimpse of MONUC/DRC.

[Carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclosure: I received this book as a giveaway prize and I could not bring myself to finish it. My review will be honest (obviously) but it may be tainted by the fact that I skimmed and did not finish.
I found the narration too blythe and a little bit self indulgent, “kissing” the edge of racism at times. (I know this is non fiction, but who really wants to hurt an author’s feelings?) I don’t believe that was the intent of the book, but there were so many points where I just thought “why didn’t this get cut? Did she really just say that? Does she know that’s a bit insensitive?” It was really obvious and grating to me, combined with the fact that the first 13 or so chapters feel so static, I had to finally just put the book down and move on to something else.
I do appreciate that the author is quite engaged with readers online and the book as a physical object is beautifully designed. This copy will be going to a local thrift store in hopes that someone else will read and enjoy.

[Luisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won a copy of this book on goodreads in exchange for an honest review. I found the subject matter about this book interesting, as I know very little about the Congo. I found it some what confusing when the Author persumed to know what motivated her co- Workers in getting the radio journalist jobs, but it was a decent read. I would recommend this book to those interested in learning more about the UN operations in war torn africa, ans those who enjoy books about how the media works in different parts of the world.

[Michele Benson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Congo. Jennifer runs a public radio station in Kindu after the war as the country prepares for elections. Her descriptions of the political times and the dangers of the area are good. Her obvious love of the people she works with makes this worth reading.

[Wendy Meguess · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish it.

[Mrs Reddy Katzy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I gave this book two stars because the ending is quite good (skip to chapter 24 onwards) ... id recommend you rip out the first 13 chapters and pretend it's a novella ! ... seriously you will neither learn anything nor be entertained ... Anybody with half intelligence can imagine what a radio station is like in the Congo (thats what i think anyway) and this book couldve really told a hell of a lot more !
the beginning of the story as the book says itself is told in dribs and drabs and not really saying anything at all, this includes its boast of "Helping bring peace to the Congo" ... ER .. HOW EXACTLY ? this book does not elaborate on the message at all - the reviews and boasting made the book sound really interesting but personally i was truly bored !