Congo genuinely exerts efforts to ensure full respect for these freedoms : * Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (Article 8 ACHPR) Over the past ten years or more the Republic of Congo has experienced a resurgence of spirituality especially with the establishment of so-called ‘awakening’ churches. Generalised poverty of families and the fragile economy have spurred Congolese on to go in search of assistance, and comfort in spirituality. However it is not this epiphenomenon which has led to the respect of this provision of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights. In effect, the different Constitutions which were adopted during the course of the history of the Republic of Congo have strengthen the resolve of the Republic of Congo to subscribe to this prescription. Decree n° 78/076 dated 8 February 1978, relative to the dissolution of religious associations or sects till the holding of the National Conference momentarily cast a shadow on this commitment. On 21st June 1991, Act n° 049 the transfer of competence in the area of management of certain structures of a social interest, rehabilitation of all organisations put an end to the long period of systematic violation of the principle. Thus, article 24 of the Charter on the Rights and Liberties sets forth as follows: « Ethnic, religious, linguistic minorities cannot be denied the right to have, together with other members of their group, their own cultural life, to profess or practice their own religion and use their own language.». In article 11, the same Charter stipulates that: « Individual freedom shall be inviolable. All individuals shall be entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right implies the freedom to change ones religion or belief individually or collectively, both in public and in private, by the teaching of practices, cult, and the performance of rites, in accordance with the laws and regulations in force. ». *Press freedom (article 9 of the ACHPR) In the Republic of Congo, private and public written and audiovisual press is often partisan. Public media is largely in favour of the authority in place. However, sporadically, certain journalists take the risk of ranting and raving about the manner in which public affairs are conducted by most of the politicians and administration staff. The private media are mainly daily newspapers which ostensibly support the government or the opposition. The most vocal are those which support the former and tirelessly down play the failings of the Government, or trivialise them. However, excepting some rebuttals by the incriminated authority, the Congolese press does not have any grounds to complain of being muzzled, since some journalists, in the private sector do pen editorials whose content border on criminal offences. 16