Salé – “This is the first time I’ve worn a suit and tie. Usually, I just wear a helmet and a bulletproof vest”. It was with these words that the winner of the 2023 Grand Prix (best photo) of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies (FAAPA), Blaise Irenge, chose to begin his testimony.
Visibly moved and hoarse-throated by the recognition of his African colleagues, this reporter-photographer from the Congolese News Agency (ACP) gave an insight into the conditions of his work and the risks incurred every day covering the news in North Kivu, a region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) plagued by armed conflict.
His testimony earned him a standing ovation from the entire audience, many of whom could not hold back their tears.
Taking the floor, Bienvenu-Marie Bakumanya Bakwala, Director General of ACP, where Blaise works, recalled how he had recruited the young photojournalist after noticing his professional qualities and unfailing perseverance. In his eyes, Blaise was a great asset to the agency
‘s photography department, a fact confirmed by the prize-winner’s photos, which have been shown around the world.
FAAPA chairman and Director general of the Maghreb Arab Press Agency (MAP), Fouad Arif, who presided over the awards ceremony, warmly congratulated the Congolese winner and all the other award-winning journalists on the quality of their works, which illustrate not only the relevance of the subjects covered and the talent of their authors, but also the sacrifices made and difficulties braved to achieve them.
The 7th General Assembly of the Atlantic Federation of African Press Agencies, held under the theme “African newsmaking: a major sovereign stake”, wrapped up on Tuesday in Salé, with the award of the Federation’s Grand Prix for the 2022 and 2023 editions.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse