In a recent exciting development in Congolese news, a delegation from the Congolese journalists’ corporation met with Patrick Muyaya Katembwe, Minister of Communication and Media, and Spokesperson for the Congolese Government. The meeting, which took place on September 11, 2023, aimed to discuss the arrest of Congolese journalist Stanis Bujakera.
The delegation, led by Israel Mutala, president of MILRDC (Movement for Independence of Press, Media and Communication), expressed concern over the imprisonment of Stanis Bujakera. They asked the Minister to do everything possible to guarantee the release of the journalist.
Minister Muyaya assured the delegation that he would continue to closely monitor the case, while emphasizing that the matter fell within judicial jurisdiction. He affirmed his commitment to press freedom and took into account the concerns of the journalists present.
The main demand of the delegation was the immediate release of Bujakera, so that he can defend himself as a free man if there are charges brought against him. Israel Mutala stressed that freedom of the press is a constitutional right that must be respected by all state services.
The delegation was made up of representatives from different journalists’ organizations, such as the National Union of the Congolese Press, the National Association of Editors of Congo and the Association of Foreign Media Correspondents. All these structures united to support the release of Stanis Bujakera and to defend the right to inform in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
This meeting between the corporation of Congolese journalists and the Minister of Communication and Media reflects the importance of press freedom and its role in a democratic society. It is essential that journalists can practice their profession in an environment where freedom of expression is respected and protected.
This case also highlights the need to guarantee the independence of the judiciary and to ensure that journalists are not criminalized for carrying out their work. The release of Stanis Bujakera is a key issue for press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo and respect for the fundamental rights of journalists.
We hope that the Minister of Communication and Media will do everything possible to ensure the freedom of Stanis Bujakera and to ensure that journalists can continue their mission of informing the public independently and without hindrance. Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of any democracy and must be defended and supported by all.