DRC: Kamanda Wa Kamanda elected president of the UNPC: a challenge to straighten out the press in crisis in the DRC
At its 10th congress held on September 20, 2024, the National Press Union of Congo (UNPC), the main body representing the press in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), elected Kamanda Wa Kamanda Muzembe as its new president. A former journalist on national television and Radio France Internationale (RFI), Kamanda Muzembe takes the reins of a sector in the grip of a deep crisis, marked by significant challenges in terms of the quality and integrity of journalism in the country.
A context of crisis
The crisis affecting the Congolese media landscape is multifaceted. It is the result of several factors, including a lack of resources, political pressures, and the rise of disinformation. Press freedom in the DRC is regularly put to the test, with journalists facing threats, arrests, and attempts at censorship. In this difficult context, the election of Kamanda Muzembe comes as a potential turning point for the profession, which is seeking to regain its legitimacy and credibility.
Lively discussions at the congress
The conference sparked heated debates among participants, highlighting critical issues about access to journalism in the DRC. Willy Kalengayi, a respected journalist and television channel director, drew attention to the ease of entry into the profession, which has led to a proliferation of imposters. He said: “The fragility of the admission criteria must be corrected to ensure that only the most competent professionals can practice.” Kalengayi also stressed the importance of establishing rigorous standards for the admission of journalists, saying it is crucial to “work rigorously to elevate these entry points, so that only the best get through.”
The question of journalistic integrity
Another point of concern raised at the congress is integrity within the profession. Michel Museme, a veteran journalist and congressman, shared his concern about abusive behavior observed even among some experienced journalists. “It happens that journalists knowingly write false information to be approached, often with financial motivations,” he lamented. This situation reflects a worrying drift, because it calls into question the ethical foundations of the profession. “It hurts me a lot, because it no longer has the appearance of the noble profession that we learned in school,” he added.
A major challenge for the new president
The election of Kamanda Wa Kamanda Muzembe is not just a change in leadership. It represents a crucial step for the UNPC and for journalism in the DRC. The new president inherits a particularly complex mission: to restore the credibility of the Congolese press and promote high ethical standards within the profession. This involves working on initiatives to strengthen professional training, raise awareness of the ethical issues of journalism, and foster an environment where freedom of expression can flourish without fear of repression.
Opportunity for reform
While Kamanda Muzembe faces many challenges, his election also presents an opportunity for significant reform. By redefining the identity and role of the press in the Congolese landscape, he can establish more transparent and accountable practices. His experience as a journalist and his commitment to ethics give him a legitimacy that could foster greater cohesion within the profession.
Conclusion
The new president of the UNPC, Kamanda Wa Kamanda Muzembe, stands at a crucial crossroads for journalism in the Democratic Republic of Congo. By addressing current challenges and working to promote an honest and responsible press, he can contribute to the revival of a sector that is vital to the country’s democracy and development. This congress thus represents a key moment for the renewal of the profession, with the hope that the UNPC can play a central role in promoting ethical and quality journalism in the DRC.
