Radio Okapi functions as a leading radio broadcasting network which serves throughout the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Radio Okapi started its operations on 25 February 2002 after MONUC partnered with Fondation Hirondelle to establish this radio station. The station obtained its name from the endangered okapi animal which resides in Congolese rainforest territories. Radio Okapi operates as an independent news source through which the organization highlights reliable information about peace and civic education and democratic principles across the DRC The radio broadcasts news in French alongside Lingala, Swahili and Kituba and Tshiluba Whenever possible it provides news bulletins at three parts of the day to cover domestic and international updates The headquarters of Radio Okapi operates from Kinshasa where it extends its broadcasting reach through province-based studios that span across the entire DR. Multiple FM frequencies broadcast Radio Okapi across main cities of the country.   Radio Okapi maintains its reputation for reliable journalism by playing an essential role in developing educated public dialogue in the DC The station won recognition for its unbiased reporting with the Free Media Pioneer award in 2010 from the International Press Institute and used its platform to broadcast key national events including the critical Sun City Inter-Congolese Dialogue that supported democracy in the country.