The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed restrictions on the media, disallowing coverage of former President Joseph Kabila’s activities and interviews with his party members. This decision follows Kabila’s return to the country amid rising tensions with the current administration under President Félix Tshisekedi.
Authorities are moving to prosecute Kabila over treason accusations linked to the M23 rebel group, which he has denied. According to Christian Bosembe, head of the country’s media regulatory body, breaches of this reporting ban could lead to media suspensions.
An M23 spokesperson stated that media outlets in areas they control will ignore the ban, while Kabila’s party secretary, Ferdinand Kambere, criticized the measure as “arbitrary” on social media. Kabila was recently spotted in Goma, a city controlled by M23, where he has been openly critical of the government following a senate vote that lifted his immunity concerning alleged support of this rebel group.
Political dynamics are further complicated by accusations against Rwanda for backing the rebels, which the Rwandan government denies. Following Kabila’s critiques labeling the government as a “dictatorship,” a government spokesperson dismissed these claims, asserting that Kabila has “nothing to offer.”
Activist Jean-Claude Katende described the ban as an “abuse of power,” while analyst Ambroise Mamba noted that it may inadvertently increase public curiosity about Kabila’s actions. Since his return from exile, Kabila has been actively engaging with civil society and religious groups, sharing updates online.
Source: www.bbc.com
