Bukavu – The Congolese Press Agency of the Liberated Territory (ACPTL) was officially relaunched on June 11 in Bukavu, marking a significant development in the communication and information landscape across areas administered by the AFC-M23 movement. The relaunch ceremony brought together senior officials and representatives of the administration, including the Permanent Secretary, the Inspector General of Good Governance, the Head of the Communication Department, and the Governor of South Kivu Province, underscoring the importance attached to the initiative and its role in strengthening public access to information.
According to officials, the reestablished agency will serve as a central platform for the collection, production, and dissemination of news and information throughout territories under AFC-M23 control. The agency is expected to provide regular news dispatches, cover political, social, economic, and community developments, and report on events affecting local populations. Through its activities, ACPTL aims to keep residents informed about issues impacting their daily lives while contributing to greater transparency and communication between authorities and communities.
The relaunch comes at a time when access to reliable information remains a critical concern in many parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, where years of conflict, insecurity, and displacement have often complicated communication efforts. Officials involved in the initiative emphasized that one of ACPTL’s key objectives will be to ensure that residents receive timely and accurate information about developments in their communities and across the broader region. By expanding its reporting network throughout the liberated areas, the agency seeks to improve the flow of information and strengthen public awareness of current events.
Another major component of ACPTL’s mission will be the fight against disinformation and misinformation. In an era where social media platforms and informal communication channels can rapidly spread unverified claims, agency officials stated that fact-checking and verification will be among the institution’s core responsibilities. By promoting accuracy and verifying information before publication, ACPTL hopes to contribute to a more informed public discourse and reduce the circulation of misleading reports that can create confusion or fuel tensions within communities.
Officials at the relaunch ceremony described the initiative as part of a broader effort to strengthen communication systems and institutional structures within the territories under AFC-M23 administration. They noted that effective communication is essential for governance, community engagement, and public participation, particularly in regions facing complex humanitarian, social, and security challenges. The establishment of a functioning news agency is expected to support these objectives by creating an organized framework through which information can be gathered, verified, and shared with the public.
The agency has also expressed a commitment to promoting journalism based on professional standards, ethical conduct, and editorial responsibility. Organizers stated that ACPTL will seek to encourage reporting grounded in accuracy, fairness, and respect for journalistic principles. By fostering a culture of professionalism, the agency aims to build credibility among audiences and contribute to the development of a stronger media environment within the territories where it operates.
Observers note that media institutions play a crucial role in shaping public understanding, documenting local developments, and providing communities with access to information necessary for informed decision-making. Supporters of the relaunch believe that ACPTL can serve as an important platform for highlighting local concerns, amplifying community voices, and increasing public awareness of issues affecting residents throughout the region.
As ACPTL begins a new phase of operations, attention will focus on how effectively it can expand its reach, deliver reliable reporting, and fulfill its stated mission of informing the public while combating disinformation. For many residents in the liberated territories, the relaunch represents an effort to strengthen access to information and enhance communication channels at a time when accurate and timely news remains an essential resource for communities navigating ongoing challenges and change.
