Congolese Journalist Émérite Amisi Musada Abducted and Tortured Over War Reporting

April 21, 2025 – Congo – 

On April 15, 2025, Congolese journalist Émérite Amisi Musada, a reporter for DeboutRDC.net, was abducted by unidentified men after receiving threats related to his coverage of the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The abduction occurred in Bukavu, South Kivu, a region heavily affected by violence. Amisi was taken from his home and subjected to severe physical abuse, being held captive for four days. He was found near Lake Kivu, disoriented and naked, after enduring significant torture during his captivity.

Amisi reported that his captors interrogated him about his reporting activities, demanding information about his sources and the editorial work at his news outlet. They also subjected him to physical abuse, including beatings and sodomy with a rubber rod. Before the abduction, Amisi had been threatened by someone claiming to be a DRC army general, warning him to cease his critical coverage of the war. The threats and subsequent attack highlight the growing dangers faced by journalists working in conflict zones, where freedom of the press is increasingly under threat.

International organizations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have condemned the attack and called for an immediate investigation into the incident. RSF emphasized the importance of protecting journalists, particularly in conflict areas where their reporting is crucial for public understanding of the situation. CPJ also stressed that both the DRC government and rebel groups, including the M23, must take responsibility for safeguarding media workers.

Amisi’s abduction and torture serve as a grim reminder of the risks journalists face in volatile environments, where reporting on sensitive topics can lead to violent retaliation. The international community continues to advocate for stronger protections for journalists, whose work is vital in providing accurate, timely information to the public, especially in conflict-ridden regions.

Reference – 

https://allafrica.com/stories/202504220030.html

DRC journalist Émérite Amisi Musada reports being abducted, tortured over war coverage