The Congolese government has engaged media professionals in the mobilization process for the second General Population and Housing Census. On October 1, 2026, the Ministry of Planning held a briefing session in Kinshasa, where media representatives were informed about the importance of the census. The government aims to ensure that media professionals understand the process to avoid confusion and misinformation.
The Minister of Communication and Media, Patrick Muyaya, emphasized the crucial role of media in mobilizing the population and combating disinformation. He highlighted that the census should not be confused with identification or electoral registration processes. The census seeks to provide accurate data on the population, buildings, and existing structures, which will inform development planning, including the construction of schools and hospitals.
Minister Muyaya stressed that media professionals must be well-informed to effectively communicate the census's objectives and scope. He encouraged them to play a vital role in educating the public and promoting the census. The minister also acknowledged the potential risks of misinformation and its impact on the census's success and the safety of enumerators.
Guylain Nyembo, Minister of State for Planning, highlighted the significance of the census for the country's governance and sovereignty. He noted that the Democratic Republic of Congo has been relying on outdated estimates, with the last census conducted in 1984. The minister assured that the collected data would be confidential, allowing the population to provide information without fear of disclosure.
The Minister of State for Planning also acknowledged the support of the United Nations Population Fund and other partners in the census process. He emphasized the importance of transparency in the operation and encouraged media professionals to promote the census's objectives. The meeting brought together several media representatives, aiming to establish a constructive dialogue between the government, media professionals, and organizations involved in the process.
The second General Population and Housing Census is presented as a statistical operation aimed at providing reliable data to inform public policies and optimize resource allocation. The census will provide essential data for development planning, including information on population demographics, housing, and infrastructure.
The government has officially launched the census's cartography phase in Kinshasa, which serves as a pilot phase for the operation. The involvement of media professionals is expected to enhance public awareness and participation in the census, ultimately contributing to the success of the operation.
Key points
- The DRC government has involved media professionals in the mobilization process for the second General Population and Housing Census.
- The census aims to provide accurate data on the population, buildings, and existing structures to inform development planning.
- The government has assured the confidentiality of the collected data to encourage public participation.
