Rebel authorities in eastern DRC ban political media coverage

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for the lifting of restrictions imposed by rebel authorities in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Authorities controlled by the M23 and Congo River Alliance (AFC) have prohibited media outlets from broadcasting or publishing political content.

On August 19, Patrick Busu Bwa Ngwi Nshombo, the governor appointed by the M23/AFC rebels, met with media executives in Bukavu to issue new mandates. These conditions include indefinite bans on political debates and news regarding the DRC government, while requiring outlets to cover AFC/M23 activities for free. Media is instead directed to focus on topics such as peace, health, and education.

As part of these measures, local regulatory authorities suspended Claude Kashonga, a host for a Bukavu FM political program. The CPJ described the situation as an intensifying crackdown on press freedom in a region where journalists already face threats and arrests.