On September 28, 2026, Democratic Republic of the Congo's Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, called for the adoption of a law on access to public information. Speaking at the National Assembly on the International Day of Universal Access to Information, Muyaya emphasized that this right, enshrined in Article 24 of the Congolese Constitution, is crucial for a democratic society. He stated that it promotes transparency in public affairs, strengthens citizen participation, and contributes to more responsible governance.
The International Day of Universal Access to Information was established by UNESCO in 2015 and recognized by the UN in 2019. This year's theme was "preserving the integrity of information in the digital age." Muyaya highlighted the need for critical competencies in the face of disinformation, stressing that having access to information is not enough; it is also essential to have the skills to analyze and evaluate it critically. This, he believes, is vital for making informed decisions.
The Congolese government, led by Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, has prioritized the finalization of this law, as recommended by the National Communication Conference in January 2022. Muyaya noted that the law passed on March 13, 2023, known as the Muyaya law, is an important step forward. Articles 95 to 97 of this law recognize the right of media professionals to access public sources of information and require public information holders to provide information of public interest when requested.
Muyaya encouraged journalists to seek information from primary sources, verify facts, and cross-check information. He emphasized that only through verified, rigorous, and responsible information can disinformation be reduced. The minister also warned against adopting foreign models without consideration for the country's specific context, emphasizing that the future law must align with the Congolese Constitution, institutions, and realities.
According to Muyaya, the principle of access to information should be the norm, with restrictions clearly defined and limited to cases concerning national defense, state security, or private life. He advocated for a hierarchical classification of sensitive information. This approach, he believes, will ensure that the law serves the public interest while protecting sensitive information.
The proposed law aims to consolidate the right to access public information, ensuring transparency and accountability in governance. Muyaya expressed his hope that the law will be passed soon, enabling the country to make progress in promoting good governance and citizen participation. He concluded by announcing that technical observations will be submitted to enrich the parliamentary bill on transparency in public life.
The push for this law is part of a broader effort to enhance access to information and promote transparency in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The country's media and civil society have been advocating for greater access to information, citing its importance for holding public officials accountable and promoting good governance. The outcome of this initiative will be closely watched, both domestically and internationally.
Key points
- The proposed law aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance by ensuring access to public information.
- The law will require public information holders to provide information of public interest when requested.
- The minister emphasized the need for critical competencies in the face of disinformation.
