Fatshimetrie, a new lease of life for the Congolese press
The political media scene in the Democratic Republic of Congo was recently marked by the election of the committee of the National Union of the Press of Congo (UNPC) during its 10th congress. This event gave birth to a dynamic leadership, embodied by Baudouin Kamanda wa Kamanda, newly elected president of the UNPC.
In a speech marked by determination, President Kamanda clearly expressed his desire to defend and redress the journalistic profession, which is facing major challenges such as regulation and professionalism. He stressed the importance of having reliable press companies, capable of properly remunerating their employees, a necessity to guarantee quality journalism.
There is no shortage of challenges for this new UNPC committee, which will also have to face the challenges of the profession such as improving the working conditions of journalists and consolidating professional ethics. Cyril Kileba, elected Vice-President of the UNPC, and Marianne Mujing Yav Muland, 2nd Vice-President, are also key players in this new dynamic.
The reforms adopted at the UNPC congress demonstrate a desire to modernize and professionalize the Congolese press. The institutionalization of a council of elders, the restitution of powers to the provincial sections, and the creation of bank accounts in multiple currencies to facilitate financial transactions are all innovations that aim to strengthen the efficiency and transparency of the UNPC.
However, shadows persist in this promising picture. The limited participation of delegates from the Congolese Press Agency (ACP) in the work of the congress, without a deliberative voice, raises questions about the independence and role of public media in this context. The challenges to be met are multiple, and collaboration between the UNPC and public press actors will be essential to guarantee a pluralist and ethical press.
Ultimately, the mandate of the new UNPC committee promises to be crucial for the future of the Congolese press. By promoting professional ethics, improving the working conditions of journalists, and strengthening ties with institutional partners, the UNPC can play a leading role in consolidating democracy and information in the Democratic Republic of Congo. May Fatshimetrie be the symbol of a journalistic renewal in the service of the general interest and truth.