In a significant move, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a ban on media reporting regarding former President Joseph Kabila and interviews with members of his political party. This decision follows Kabila's return to the country after a two-year voluntary exile, which has intensified existing tensions with the current administration led by President Félix Tshisekedi.
The Congolese authorities are reportedly seeking to prosecute Kabila on accusations of treason, linked to alleged support for the M23 rebel group that has been engaged in conflict with the national army. Kabila has publicly denied these allegations. Christian Bosembe, the head of the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), stated that violations of this media ban could lead to suspension of the offending outlets.
In response, M23 representatives have stated that media in areas under their control will disregard the government’s restrictions. While Kabila has not officially commented on the ban, Ferdinand Kambere, secretary of his party, described it as "arbitrary" via social media platform X. Kabila was recently spotted in Goma, a city currently governed by M23 forces, and has been openly critical of the government following the senate's move to lift his immunity regarding accusations of supporting the M23.
Notably, Rwanda, a neighboring country, has been accused of aiding the rebel group, a claim it vehemently denies. Kabila labeled the current Congolese government a "dictatorship" during his recent public appearances. A government spokesperson countered this criticism by asserting that Kabila had "nothing to offer" to the people.
Local human rights activist Jean-Claude Katende condemned the ban, deeming it an "abuse of power." Political analyst Ambroise Mamba also criticized the ban, suggesting that it could inadvertently increase public curiosity regarding Kabila's activities. Since his return, Kabila’s party has been actively sharing his engagements with civil society and religious leaders in Goma on social media, indicating that the narrative surrounding him remains influential even amid the government's restrictions.
The Congolese authorities are reportedly seeking to prosecute Kabila on accusations of treason, linked to alleged support for the M23 rebel group that has been engaged in conflict with the national army. Kabila has publicly denied these allegations. Christian Bosembe, the head of the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), stated that violations of this media ban could lead to suspension of the offending outlets.
In response, M23 representatives have stated that media in areas under their control will disregard the government’s restrictions. While Kabila has not officially commented on the ban, Ferdinand Kambere, secretary of his party, described it as "arbitrary" via social media platform X. Kabila was recently spotted in Goma, a city currently governed by M23 forces, and has been openly critical of the government following the senate's move to lift his immunity regarding accusations of supporting the M23.
Notably, Rwanda, a neighboring country, has been accused of aiding the rebel group, a claim it vehemently denies. Kabila labeled the current Congolese government a "dictatorship" during his recent public appearances. A government spokesperson countered this criticism by asserting that Kabila had "nothing to offer" to the people.
Local human rights activist Jean-Claude Katende condemned the ban, deeming it an "abuse of power." Political analyst Ambroise Mamba also criticized the ban, suggesting that it could inadvertently increase public curiosity regarding Kabila's activities. Since his return, Kabila’s party has been actively sharing his engagements with civil society and religious leaders in Goma on social media, indicating that the narrative surrounding him remains influential even amid the government's restrictions.
