Kisangani, 6 May 2013 – Journalists in Kisangani, the administrative capital of province Orientale, commemorated the press freedom day on Friday, 3 May 2013. They took this opportunity to brainstorm on the challenges that confront them daily in the course of their work. The celebration was jointly organized by the Congolese Press Union ("Union nationale de la Presse du Congo (UNPC)" and the NGO Journalists in Danger ("Journalistes en Danger - JED)," assisted by the United Nations organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) through its Public Information section.

An audience made up of media professionals, members of civil society organizations, human rights activists and politico-administrative officials attended the commemoration chaired by the provincial Governor, Jean Bamanisa Saidi.

Discussions revolved around the theme "Access to information and journalists' safety," inspired by the global theme "Speak without fear, ensure the freedom of expression in all medias."

Through their discussions, participants confessed that journalists have a lot of trouble turning themselves into media professionals and acknowledged that freedom of expression in the province is in danger.

Codjo Houegniglo/ MONUSCO