Thesis (MA) - Cyprus International University. Institute of Graduate Studies and Research Communication and Media Studies Department

Includes bibliography (sheets 84-91)

ABSTRACT After a long history of colonial rule, the Democratic Republic of Congo gained its independence in 1960. Yet, dispute over the control of the country's rich mineral resources led to violence, conflict and corruption in the country. This study focuses on the recent history of the country and analyzes the role of the media vis-à-vis the conflicts and conflict resolution processes in the DRC from a peace journalism perspective. The research compares four online media namely RFI (Radıo France Internationale), Okapi, Maendeleo, and Actualité.cd which are among the most popular media operating in the Beni and Ituri regions of the DRC. The research aimed to discuss the role of media in conflict as well as contribution to peace building in the country. The study was qualitative in nature and involved semi-structured interviews with journalists, politicians and professionals in civil society organizations as well as textual analysis of media texts. The research findings suggest that the selected media contributed to conflict resolution, although they faced some challenges in complying with the norms of peace journalism. The study addressed problems such as freedom of the press, misinformation and domination of the media by politicians and those who have power in the country. Keywords: Beni, Conflict, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ituri, Mass Media, Peace journalism