KIGALI - Media stakeholders from various institutions, yesterday, called for the amendment of about 10 articles in the current media law.

They made the call during the media dialogue that was attended by among others; journalists, media owners, government institutions, legislators and civic organizations.

The dialogue was organised by the Rwanda Governance Advisory Council (RGAC) in partnership with the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Ministry of Information.

They also requested for the decriminalisation of defamation.
 The media fraternity also said that Article 5 which outlines the requirements to acquire a press card needed to be reviewed. 

Speaking at the forum, Prof. Anastase Shyaka, the Executive Director of RGAC said that a vibrant and responsible media is one of the key indicators of a well-functioning democracy.

"Reviewing some of the articles which are a hindrance to independence and free expression is very important towards promoting democracy and good governance,” Shyaka said.

"As an institution that advises government on different key issues, we thought that since the stakeholders in the media industry want some articles in the media law to be changed; we should give them an opportunity to share this with us.”

Shyaka noted that when the media sector becomes vibrant, the society is healthier and democracy functions better.

Ignatius Kabagambe, the Director General in the Ministry of Information, said that they are committed to this process of reviewing laws related to the media because they strongly believe that it is an important component regarding the development of the industry in Rwanda.

The media stakeholders requested for another validation meeting to look into recommendations of the previous meetings and make a final input.

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