A leading press freedom organization has called on Democratic Republic of the Congo authorities to stop threatening local journalists and ensure their safety amid escalating attacks on media workers. The appeal follows repeated threats against Michael Tenende, a journalist in Kabinda city who faces intimidation from the city’s mayor after reporting on local governance issues.jurist+2
Tenende received threatening phone calls and text messages from Mayor Anne‑Marie Tshiabu after publishing stories about her official residence and the treatment of roadside vendors. The mayor has denied wrongdoing and referred the case to national intelligence as a “security issue,” claiming the journalist collaborated with political actors to undermine authorities.cpj+1
The incident reflects a broader pattern of harassment facing reporters in the DRC, where more than 50 attacks on newsrooms and journalists were recorded in North Kivu province in less than a year. National regulators have warned outlets against coverage deemed sympathetic to armed groups, while journalists covering governance, corruption and public health face arbitrary detention and violence from both state officials and armed factions.rsf+3
Press freedom advocates are demanding that the DRC government condemn threats against reporters, investigate incidents impartially and hold officials who intimidate journalists accountable. Rights groups warn that restrictions on the press risk further eroding transparency at a time when accurate information on conflict and governance is urgently needed.hrw+3
