The Congolese government has issued a media prohibition barring coverage of former President Joseph Kabila and his party members. This directive comes in light of Kabila’s return to the country after a self-imposed exile that lasted two years, which has exacerbated tensions between him and the current administration under President Félix Tshisekedi. The authorities are reportedly pursuing legal action against Kabila, alleging treason and links to the M23 rebel group, accusations he denies.
DR Congo Implements Media Ban on Ex-President Kabila's Activities
DR Congo Implements Media Ban on Ex-President Kabila's Activities
New restrictions on media reporting have emerged in the Democratic Republic of Congo, targeting former President Joseph Kabila following his return from exile.
The head of the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), Christian Bosembe, warned that violations of this media ban could lead to suspension of press outlets. However, a spokesperson from the M23 has vowed that media agencies in their territory will disregard the directive. Kabila has yet to respond to these developments, but his party's secretary, Ferdinand Kambere, has condemned the ban as "arbitrary".
Recently, Kabila was spotted in Goma, an area controlled by the M23, and has publicly criticized the government following a senate decision that lifted his immunity regarding allegations of M23 support. Amid accusations against neighboring Rwanda for backing the rebels, Kabila described the current government as a "dictatorship", to which government representatives have retorted that he offers "nothing".
Human rights activists, such as Jean-Claude Katende, labeled the new media restrictions as an "abuse of power". Political analyst Ambroise Mamba expressed that the ban might backfire, potentially increasing public curiosity about Kabila's actions. Since his return, Kabila's party has continued to update the public about his engagements with civil society and local religious leaders in Goma.
With rising concerns surrounding media freedom and political repression, the situation in the DR Congo remains tense as events unfold.
Recently, Kabila was spotted in Goma, an area controlled by the M23, and has publicly criticized the government following a senate decision that lifted his immunity regarding allegations of M23 support. Amid accusations against neighboring Rwanda for backing the rebels, Kabila described the current government as a "dictatorship", to which government representatives have retorted that he offers "nothing".
Human rights activists, such as Jean-Claude Katende, labeled the new media restrictions as an "abuse of power". Political analyst Ambroise Mamba expressed that the ban might backfire, potentially increasing public curiosity about Kabila's actions. Since his return, Kabila's party has continued to update the public about his engagements with civil society and local religious leaders in Goma.
With rising concerns surrounding media freedom and political repression, the situation in the DR Congo remains tense as events unfold.
