Journalist John Kabamba Reported Missing After Interviewing Rebels in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

December 24, 2025 – Congo –

A Congolese journalist, John Kabamba, has been reported missing in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after interviewing with a local armed group, raising alarm among press freedom advocates and human rights observers about his safety and the risks facing journalists covering conflict zones. Kabamba, a seasoned reporter known for covering security and political developments in the Kivus region, was last seen on December 15, 2025, shortly after a scheduled interview with fighters from an armed faction active near Rutshuru Territory, where armed clashes have escalated in recent months.

According to local contacts and family members, Kabamba travelled to a remote area in eastern DRC to interview members of a rebel militia group regarding recent attacks on civilians and ongoing insecurity. After the meeting, he missed a planned check-in call with his colleagues and failed to return to his base in Goma, triggering immediate concern and alerts from both his employer and local journalist networks. Efforts by authorities and civil society groups to locate him have so far yielded no confirmed information about his whereabouts.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned Kabamba’s disappearance and called on all parties with influence in the region — including armed groups and government security forces — to assist in determining his fate. CPJ highlighted that journalists reporting on armed conflict in eastern Congo often confront grave threats, including arbitrary detention, harassment, abduction, and violence, and that Kabamba’s disappearance underscores these persistent dangers.

Kabamba is widely respected in Congolese media circles for his in-depth reporting on security, governance, and community resilience. His work has appeared in regional outlets, and he has participated in cross-border reporting collaborations aimed at exposing the human cost of armed conflict in eastern Congo. His family and colleagues describe him as a dedicated professional committed to informing the public under challenging circumstances.

In the weeks preceding his disappearance, eastern DRC has witnessed heightened tensions among rival armed groups vying for territorial control, contributing to instability that hampers both humanitarian access and independent reporting. Observers note that journalists working in the region routinely operate without adequate protection, with limited logistical support, and frequent exposure to unpredictable security environments. (CPJ.org, December 2025)

CPJ and partner organisations have urged the Congolese government, regional intermediaries, and international stakeholders to prioritise efforts to locate Kabamba, ensure his safety, and address the broader climate of impunity that imperils journalists. They have also called for transparent, expeditious inquiries and for mechanisms to safeguard media workers covering conflict-affected areas.

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Journalist John Kabamba missing after interviewing rebel in eastern DRC