In a new book titled “Legal Framework of Media in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Achievements and Challenges Ahead,” journalist Patient Ligodi offers an in-depth analysis of the new media law in the DRC.

Published on Saturday, September 28, 2024, in Kinshasa, the book was officially launched by the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Constant Mutamba. It explores the progress and challenges in implementing the media law in the country.

With 21 years of experience in journalism, Ligodi stated that the primary goal of publishing this book is to widely disseminate the advancements in journalists’ rights and the challenges that remain to improve the media ecosystem.

“…The task now is to raise awareness of the gains in terms of public access to information for professional journalists. It’s also important to work with magistrates so they fully understand this law and with public institutions to ensure they consider these advances when dealing with professional journalists. Our objective is to highlight the progress made in journalists’ rights and public rights to improve the information ecosystem in the DRC. We address the achievements, challenges, and the next steps toward a press that can effectively contribute to the emergence of the rule of law and an accountable state,” Ligodi explained.

He emphasized that in this effort to reform the media sector in the DRC, regulatory and self-regulatory bodies, particularly the National Union of the Press of Congo (UNPC), must play a crucial role.

“The book was published shortly after the Congress of the National Union of the Press of Congo (UNPC). We now have a new leadership team and a new law that enshrines self-regulation for the media. The UNPC has a vital role to play in addressing those who illegitimately enter the journalism profession and overseeing what is broadcast in the media. How one becomes a journalist, how one obtains a press card, and how one exercises journalists’ rights – all these elements must be addressed by the new UNPC team. As practitioners and academics, it’s our responsibility to support better media self-regulation in the DRC, particularly through organizations like the UNPC and co-regulation with professional media bodies,” he added.

Ligodi expressed hope that his book will serve as a teaching tool for journalists, students, and researchers: “We must work together to build an environment where the press can truly contribute to the emergence of the rule of law.”

The book’s launch, which coincided with the celebration of the International Day for Universal Access to Information, saw participation from several self-regulatory organizations and NGOs advocating for journalists’ rights.

For the new President of the National Union of the Press of Congo, Gérard Kamanda Wa Kamanda, the new media law is a significant step forward in the quest for freedom in a modern state governed by the rule of law.

Thivis Thivuadi, Secretary General of the NGO “Journalist in Danger” (JED), noted that many indicators regarding the practice of journalism in the DRC remain concerning.

“As an organization that has long advocated for the defense and promotion of freedom of information, and without prejudging the forthcoming debate at this high-level panel, the initial findings suggest that many indicators concerning the state of the press and journalism in the DRC remain troubling,” Thivuadi emphasized.

Minister of State, Minister of Justice, and Keeper of the Seals, Constant Mutamba, who pledged to support his colleague, Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, in promoting the new press law, called on the new UNPC leaders to bring order to a sector rife with “black sheep” who tarnish the profession.

This book is a valuable resource that not only examines existing laws but also their impact on the Congolese media landscape.

In advocating for ethical and responsible journalism, Ligodi called for collective mobilization to defend press freedom.

Participants at the launch hailed the initiative as essential for informing public debate and strengthening democracy in the DRC.

The book is now available and promises to become a key reference in the field of journalism in the DRC.

Mitterrand MASAMUNA

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