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Kinshasa, August 5, 2025 — The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to immediately reopen Radio Nsenda Muana and ensure the protection of journalists following a controversial suspension and arrests in late July.
đź“» Station Suspended After Critical Broadcast
On July 28, Radio Nsenda Muana aired a live call-in program during which listeners criticized Mwene-Ditu Mayor Gérard Tshibanda Kabwe. The following day, Kabwe issued an indefinite suspension order, accusing the station of inciting tribal hatred and encouraging tax non-compliance—claims denied by station management.
On July 31, police raided the station, locked its doors, and arrested three journalists: Ally Clovis Kaseba, Prince Lulamba, and Albin Mukadi. The journalists were detained until August 4, when they were released by order of the provincial governor. However, the station remains closed.
🛑 Condemnation from Media Watchdogs
The suspension drew swift condemnation from both the Higher Council of Audiovisual and Communication and the Observatory for Press Freedom in Africa (OLPA). OLPA described the move as a violation of Articles 23 and 24 of the DRC Constitution, which guarantee freedom of expression and the right to information.
“Public dialogue on matters of collective interest is a crucial role of the media, not cause for censorship,” said CPJ Regional Director Angela Quintal.
The National Press Union of Congo also denounced the suspension as illegal and threatened to boycott coverage of Kabwe’s administration unless the decision was reversed.
⚠️ Broader Context of Press Suppression
The incident comes amid growing concerns over press freedom in the DRC. According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), over 20 local radio stations have been shut down, seized, or vandalized in recent months, particularly in conflict zones affected by fighting between Congolese forces and the M23 rebel group.
Journalists have faced harassment, displacement, and censorship, contributing to what RSF describes as an emerging “information desert” in eastern DRC.
Source:
- Excerpts from jurist.org article by Salma Ben Mariem | Faculty of Law and Political Science of Sousse, TN
