A media forum in Kinshasa has called for concrete steps to strengthen journalist protection and responsible reporting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to Actualite.cd.

The meeting, launched around World Press Freedom Day, brought together professional media bodies including UNPC, JED, UCOFEM and other sector groups. Organizers said the discussions aimed to produce practical proposals for the government at a time when conflict, disinformation and insecurity continue to affect the media environment.

Among the expected outcomes are a commitment to responsible journalism in conflict periods, a recovery plan for the press sector and a national mechanism to protect journalists. The initiative aligns with UNESCO’s 2026 World Press Freedom Day theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace”, which links freedom of expression to peace and resilient information systems.

The forum also comes as global press freedom faces renewed pressure. Reporters Without Borders said its 2026 World Press Freedom Index showed press freedom at a 25-year low, with many countries facing difficult or very serious conditions for journalism.

For DRC media leaders, the next step is whether the forum’s proposals can move from declaration to implementation, especially on journalist safety, ethics and support for media outlets working in crisis zones.