Denise Mukendi placed under provisional arrest in DRC

Congolese influencer Denise Mukendi Dusauchoy has been placed under provisional arrest following her transfer from Tanzania to Kinshasa. Authorities allege that her social media activity constitutes an apology for the subversive activities of the AFC/M23 rebel coalition, which is active in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Judicial sources indicate that the decision to hold her was motivated by serious evidence gathered during interrogation and a perceived risk of flight. This arrest follows her transition from a supporter of President Félix Tshisekedi to a vocal critic of the current administration. Government spokespersons have suggested this operation may be the first in a series of upcoming actions targeting social media personalities deemed critical of the state.

In response to the legal proceedings, Mukendi’s biological mother, Agnès Kabedi, issued a video message to President Tshisekedi. She expressed deep regret and shame regarding her daughter’s actions, stating that the family had repeatedly attempted to advise her but was ignored. Kabedi requested forgiveness on behalf of the family while distancing them from Mukendi’s political stances.