Internews supports more than 50 community radio stations, providing reliable, essential information to millions of listeners.

Democratic Republic of Congo

Internews launched a five-year Media Sector Development Program in December 2010 to work with more than 50 community radio stations across four provinces in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Maniema, Bandundu, Katanga and South Kivu. In a country plagued by conflict since 1996, Internews will help deliver reliable, quality information to Congolese citizens, even in the most remote areas. Internews is providing training and mentoring to community radio broadcasters and building a Media Resource Center in each province to facilitate production. Internews’ partner, Fondation Hirondelle, will develop sustainability through technical assistance and material support to the stations. Internews will also support local civil society organizations to communicate more effectively through the media. The program will work with local organizations including Journalistes en Danger and AFEM-SK (Association of Women Journalists of South Kivu), and advocate for regulatory reform in collaboration with Albany Associates, a media legislation specialist. In the future, progressive hand-over to local partners will contribute to sustainability.

Related Stories

  • Civil Society Organizations in DRC Learn How to Get Their Issues Heard

    Wednesday, May 16, 2012

    On March 8, International Women’s Day, women in Kindu, Maniema Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), covered their heads with black scarves or plastic bags. This traditional sign of mourning was now representing their anger. The women were protesting against the November 2011 election results in which not a single women had been elected to office. Their anger was palpable. Not a word was said during their gatherings and demonstrations; instead their silence spoke for itself. Read more »

  • Alice Bafiala Mutombo, Congolese Journalist

    Monday, February 27, 2012
    Alice Bafiala Mutombo

    At just seventeen years of age and like many of her fellow Congolese, Alice Bafiala Mutombo was forced by war to walk close to 3,000km across a country the size of Western Europe. When war broke out Alice was a boarder in high school in Bukavu, in the east of the country. Abandoned by her school, Alice sought shelter with a local family until her parents could send a guide to bring her to Maniema to be reunited with her family. The march took two weeks, through dense jungle. Alice wrote of her journey in her dairy, and listened to news of the war on a battery-operated radio. Read more »