Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has taken a significant step in aiding press freedom by providing satellite Internet connections to nine media outlets and journalists’ associations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The initiative, which commenced in December, aims to offer more reliable Internet access and facilitate the work of journalists in the region.
The satellite Internet connections, operational even when local Internet services are disrupted, have been established in Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, and Goma, the capital of Nord-Kivu province. This effort was initiated in preparation for the presidential election held on 20 December. Notable beneficiaries include the Actualité.cd news website and the Congolese Press Agency (ACP).
Marthe Bosuandole, the deputy coordinator of the Kinshasa-based Association of International Press Correspondents (ACPI), emphasized the relief felt by members working at their headquarters, no longer constrained by the fear of Internet outages.
Sadibou Marong, Director of RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa bureau, expressed the organization’s commitment to supporting journalists in the DRC, ensuring their ability to work under optimal conditions and without restrictions.
Rosalie Zawadi, president of the Goma branch of the National Congolese Press Union (UNPC), highlighted the efficiency gained in fact-checking and online research due to the new equipment. Moreover, journalists using the Press Centre in Goma found it significantly easier to participate in online training since 30 January.
In addition to the technological support, RSF has addressed the issue of Internet connection costs, providing a complimentary six-month subscription to the satellite Internet service for the recipients. This contribution was warmly acknowledged by Israël Mutala, the president of the DRC Online Media Association (MILRDC).
RSF plans to extend the installation of satellite Internet connections to two more locations: the Yira Mirembe cultural centre in Butembo, Nord-Kivu, and the headquarters of the network of community radio stations in the southeastern Katanga region.
Furthermore, in its continuous efforts to enhance journalistic safety, RSF has conducted training sessions on physical safety and election coverage for journalists in various cities, including Kinshasa, Mbandaka, Goma, and Lubumbashi, in the latter part of 2023.
The initiative comes as the DRC is ranked 124th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2023 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting the challenges faced by journalists in the region and the critical importance of initiatives such as the satellite Internet connections.
This initiative underscores RSF’s ongoing commitment to promoting press freedom and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of journalists in the DRC.
