The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government has imposed a ban on media reporting concerning former President Joseph Kabila, restricting coverage of his activities and interviews with members of his party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD). Christian Bosembe, head of the country’s media regulatory body, Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), announced that violating this ban could result in suspension.
This decision follows Kabila’s return to the country last month, which has escalated tensions between him and the current administration led by President Félix Tshisekedi. Authorities accuse Kabila of supporting the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have been clashing with the military in eastern DRC. Kabila has denied these allegations, maintaining he wants to contribute to peace.
The ban applies to all print, broadcast, and digital platforms, and Bosembe defended the decision, citing a government embargo on Kabila’s party activities. However, media outlets in regions controlled by M23 have stated they will not comply with the prohibition. Ferdinand Kambere, Kabila’s party secretary, denounced the ban as “arbitrary”.
Kabila’s recent public appearance in Goma, a city under M23 control, has drawn significant attention. The former president has been vocally critical of the current government, labeling it a “dictatorship” after the Senate voted to lift his immunity over alleged support for M23. This move potentially paves the way for his prosecution, with a prosecutor already investigating him for treasonous activity.
Justice Minister Constant Mutamba has outlined the alleged crimes, including “treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and participation in an insurrectional movement” in the country’s east. Despite these accusations, Kabila’s party has continued to share updates on his activities online, including visits to civil society organizations and local religious leaders in Goma.
The suspension of Kabila’s party and the media ban have raised concerns about the country’s fragile stability and the potential deterioration of its political landscape. Critics argue that the government’s actions are politically motivated and lack concrete evidence linking Kabila to rebel activities.