Goma, 22 July 2015: MONUSCO North Kivu has received an honorary award as best Partner to the Congolese Press in Goma. The award was presented to Public Information Division during the commemoration of the 35 anniversary of the Congolese National Press Union (UNPC) on July 22, 2015 in recognition of the support and good collaboration between MONUSCO and Congolese Journalists in general and the Union of Congolese Press in particular in North Kivu .

Amongst some of the benefits received from MONUSCO amongst others are a construction of very modern building of Press Center/House in the confines of RTNC North Kivu through the Qips projects which is near completion. The Press Center will accommodate Modern facilities like internet and Training center for the capacity building of Journalists especially in News editing and the social media.

The president of UNPC North Kivu Raphael Kiwongi Matondo also expressed gratitude to North Kivu provincial government for improving on the working conditions of Journalists in the province.

He added that UNPC is apolitical and non- profit organization regrouping Press associations to defend the rights of and status of Journalists in DR Congo and also maintaining good relationship between the Public and Private institutions in the country.
Speaking on behalf of MONUSCO as UNPC Partner, Radio Okapi Goma Station Manager Sy Koumbo Congratulated Journalists of North Kivu for a job well done in very difficult situation in post conflict situation. She added that as partners of PID “we have been involved in the capacity building in training Journalists in the territories of Masisi, Walikale and Rutshuru .”Proof of this partnership is also the ongoing building of the first ever Press Center in the Province by MONUSCO.

Representing the Provincial governor the Provincial Minister of Information and Press Madam Marie Shematsi commending the press for their good job, “said the consecration of the day offers an opportunity to stimulate the profession in exercising their liberty” but cautioned that Journalists should also use their sense of good judgment, professionalism, equity and verification of information especially before , during and after elections when politicians are trying to settle scores among each other.
Other speakers included the Media Regulatory Board representative for North Kivu (CSSAC) who also advised Journalists to respect electoral laws and treat facts with professionalism .

While the General Prosecutor (Procureur General) North KIvu Presented an expose on ‘DELITS DE PRESSE’

The activity ended with the award of 2 Honorary Certificates to MONUSCO as best Partner and the Provincial Governor Julien Paluku for improving on the working condition of Journalists in the province.

The Occasion was attended by provincial Ministers, Politicians and the general public.