Restrictions on coverage of former President Kabila raise concerns of press freedom amid growing political strife.
**DR Congo Imposes Media Ban on Reporting Former President Kabila**
**DR Congo Imposes Media Ban on Reporting Former President Kabila**
The government prohibits media outlets from documenting Joseph Kabila's activities amid rising tensions.
The Congolese government has enacted a ban on media reporting concerning former President Joseph Kabila, specifically prohibiting coverage of his activities and interviews with members of his political party. This decision follows Kabila's return to the Democratic Republic of Congo last month, which has intensified the already existing strains between him and the current government led by President Félix Tshisekedi.
Authorities are contemplating legal action against Kabila due to allegations of treason and suspected connections with the M23 rebel group, accusations which Kabila has consistently refuted. According to Christian Bosembe, head of DR Congo's media regulatory body, the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), any media outlets violating this prohibition face suspension.
In response to the media ban, a spokesperson for the M23 stated that outlets in areas under their control would disregard the directive. Kabila's party secretary, Ferdinand Kambere, denounced the ban as "arbitrary," expressing concerns through social media platform X. Notably, Kabila recently visited the eastern city of Goma, currently held by M23, where he has been vocal in criticizing the government after the Senate voted to lift his legal immunity, which concerns his alleged support of the rebel group.
The situation further complicates as Rwanda, a neighboring country, faces allegations of supporting the M23 rebels, although Kigali denies such claims. Kabila himself has labeled the current Congolese government a "dictatorship," a remark that was dismissed by governmental representatives who claimed he had "nothing to offer" to the nation.
Activist Jean-Claude Katende, who heads the African Association for the Defence of Human Rights, characterized the media restrictions as an "abuse of power." Political analyst Ambroise Mamba speculated on social media that the ban might backfire, generating more public intrigue about Kabila's actions. Since his return to DR Congo after a two-year absence, Kabila's party has continued to document and share his engagements online, which include meetings with civil society leaders and religious groups in Goma.
Authorities are contemplating legal action against Kabila due to allegations of treason and suspected connections with the M23 rebel group, accusations which Kabila has consistently refuted. According to Christian Bosembe, head of DR Congo's media regulatory body, the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), any media outlets violating this prohibition face suspension.
In response to the media ban, a spokesperson for the M23 stated that outlets in areas under their control would disregard the directive. Kabila's party secretary, Ferdinand Kambere, denounced the ban as "arbitrary," expressing concerns through social media platform X. Notably, Kabila recently visited the eastern city of Goma, currently held by M23, where he has been vocal in criticizing the government after the Senate voted to lift his legal immunity, which concerns his alleged support of the rebel group.
The situation further complicates as Rwanda, a neighboring country, faces allegations of supporting the M23 rebels, although Kigali denies such claims. Kabila himself has labeled the current Congolese government a "dictatorship," a remark that was dismissed by governmental representatives who claimed he had "nothing to offer" to the nation.
Activist Jean-Claude Katende, who heads the African Association for the Defence of Human Rights, characterized the media restrictions as an "abuse of power." Political analyst Ambroise Mamba speculated on social media that the ban might backfire, generating more public intrigue about Kabila's actions. Since his return to DR Congo after a two-year absence, Kabila's party has continued to document and share his engagements online, which include meetings with civil society leaders and religious groups in Goma.
