Open Society Initiative of Southern Africa (OSISA)

In compliance with the Congolese legislation regarding non-profit associations, JED is registered by the direction of religions and associations of the Ministry of Justice under the number F.92/5337 (In reference to the letter Nr S.G. 20/052/99 of 2 February 1999). JED is an impartial organsation, founded in Kinshasa by a group of Congolese journalists that is dedicated to the defence, and promotion, of press freedom.

Operating initially in the DRC, JED has, since 2003, expanded into eight other countries of central Africa (Burundi, Cameroon, Congo/Brazzaville, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Central African Republic, Rwanda and Chad). This region is currently covered by the Organisation of Medias in Central Africa (OMAC), based in Bujumbura, the capital city of Burundi.

JED’s watchdog functions include carrying out protests, monitoring press freedom abuses, and monitoring the conditions of detained journalists in prisons. These activities support the organisation’s overall goal – to put an end to the violations of press freedom.