: The work for the construction of the North-Kivu Press Center was launched on Thursday 09 April 2015 in Goma by the provincial Governor, Julien Paluku who laid the first foundation stone in the presence of local personalities.

“It is an honor for my province to be the first in DRC to benefit from this kind of support in favor of journalists. Media was instrumental in advocating for the cause of our province during the instability that affected the North Kivu province for nearly two decades; we therefore take this opportunity to thank MONUSCO for its assistance,” said Julien Paluku.

Funded by MONUSCO to the tune of $ 74,000, it is the first project launched by the United Nations Mission in Goma with a view to facilitating the work of the journalists. A press center equipped with an internet network is already operational within MONUSCO headquarters in Goma. When MONUSCO completes its mission in the DRC, journalists would proceed with their work in non-MONUSCO site, said Amadou BA, representing the chief of Office. The press center will offer a platform to the provincial and national authorities to meet with journalists and update them on the topical issues as well as provide them with whatever clarifications needed.

The building work will take 70 days, said the architect availed by the “Union Nationale de la Presse du Congo, UNPC”. In support of this corporation, MONUSCO wants, with the advocacy of the public information, to provide a dignified platform for a better collaboration among journalists in the North- Kivu province. The center is built on the RTNC site, at the foothill of the mount Goma. It will be equipped with furniture and internet connection.

Kilolo Sylvestre