Journalism is an essential profession for a democratic society, providing impartial and verified information. However, journalists sometimes face dangers in practicing their profession. This is why the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists is celebrated every year on November 2.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), this day was marked by a solemn ceremony organized by the Congolese Association of Women of the Written Press (ACOFEPE). During this event, the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, and his Human Rights colleague, Albert Puela, received a plea of recognition for the 22 journalists murdered in the DRC between 1994 and 2021.
This is an important step on the part of ACOFEPE to pay tribute to these journalists who lost their lives in the exercise of their profession, but also to advocate for the protection of journalists in the DRC. The argument given to the ministers aims to register these victims as Martyrs of press freedom, in order to perpetuate their memory and continue the fight for the truth.
In his speech, Minister Muyaya praised the courage of the victims’ families and ACOFEPE for their approach. He stressed the importance of taking a day to pay tribute to these colleagues and remember that they are not forgotten. He also highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Communication and Media to guarantee the protection of journalists, in particular through support for the Journalist in Danger organization.
The Minister of Human Rights, for his part, underlined the sanctity of life and the duty to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are held accountable for their actions. He also spoke of the need for reparations for victims and to strengthen the rule of law to ensure the safety of journalists.
This ceremony marks an important step towards the recognition of journalists murdered in the DRC and the protection of journalists in the country. It is essential to ensure that these crimes do not go unpunished and to guarantee a safe environment so that journalists can continue to exercise their profession in complete freedom. The fight against impunity for crimes committed against journalists is a crucial issue for preserving press freedom and democracy.