DR Congo Bans Al Jazeera and Threatens Journalists Over Rebel Interview

January 10, 2025 – Congo – 

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has banned Al Jazeera for 90 days following the network’s broadcast of an interview with Bertrand Bisimwa, the leader of the M23 rebel group. The ban, announced in January 2025, was imposed by the Congolese Ministry of Communication, which accused the Qatari-based outlet of failing to obtain proper accreditation and offering a platform to a group it labels a “terrorist organization.”

The M23 group has been responsible for major escalations in eastern Congo, capturing territory and displacing over a million people. The government described Al Jazeera’s coverage as irresponsible and dangerous, claiming it legitimized the actions of a group backed by neighboring Rwanda—a charge both Rwanda and M23 deny. The interview featured Bisimwa defending M23’s actions, which the DRC government interpreted as an endorsement of terrorism.

Justice Minister Constant Mutamba further inflamed the situation by declaring that any journalist who reports on the “activities of the Rwandan army and its M23 auxiliaries” could face the death penalty. Although this threat has no clear legal basis in Congolese law, it has created fear among local and international journalists, drawing sharp criticism from media freedom advocates.

The Congolese government also issued warnings to several French media outlets—including Radio France Internationale, France 24, and TV5Monde—for their coverage of M23, accusing them of spreading propaganda. These moves have been widely condemned as attempts to silence dissent and suppress independent reporting during a time of ongoing conflict in the east.

Human rights and press freedom organizations have decried the ban as a dangerous step toward authoritarianism. Opposition figures and civil society groups warn that curtailing press freedom will only obscure the reality on the ground, hinder accountability, and worsen the humanitarian crisis.

With conflict intensifying in eastern Congo, the international community is being urged to pressure the DRC government to restore press freedoms, ensure journalist safety, and allow open reporting on critical issues affecting millions of civilians.

Reference – 

https://www.startribune.com/congo-bans-al-jazeera-over-its-interview-with-a-key-rebel-leader-and-threatens-journalists/601203910

https://apnews.com/article/congo-al-jazeera-ban-92871abe63d84f798ecf6d229e6f74de