2024-05-29
The celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the University of Information and Communication Sciences (Unisic) reserved a special place for World Press Freedom Day. During a conference marking this event, several personalities from the world of journalism and politics took the floor to underline the importance of journalism and freedom of expression in the current context of the global environmental crisis.
Professor Phillipe Ntonda recalled that freedom of the press is a fundamental right, guarantor of democracy. It allows journalists to exercise their profession in complete independence, thus contributing to informing the public and promoting transparency in society.
Patient Ligodi, general director of the Actualité.cd press agency, shared his experience on the practice of press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He highlighted the challenges local journalists face, particularly in terms of mobility in hard-to-reach areas. The withdrawal of MONUSCO, a key player in protecting the rights of journalists, could lead to additional obstacles for these information professionals.
Giscard Kusema, deputy director of the communications unit of the President of the Republic, highlighted the mission of the presidential press, which aims to ensure complete media coverage of the activities of the Head of State. He stressed the importance of maintaining a constant dialogue with the media to ensure that information reaches as many citizens as possible.
Finally, the Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, shared his experience at the head of his ministry. He underlined the importance of making a precise diagnosis of the situation of the press and freedom of expression in the country, in order to put in place the necessary measures to guarantee optimal exercise of these essential rights.
This celebration highlighted the crucial importance of journalism and press freedom in a democratic society. It is essential to continue to support and promote these fundamental values to ensure free, independent and quality information for all citizens.