DRC Journalist Faces Arrest Threat After Exposing Local Misconduct

November 24, 2025 – Congo –

In the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) latest alert dated November 24, 2025, Michael Tenende — a journalist in the Democratic Republic of the Congo — was threatened with arrest by Anne‑Marie Tshiabu, the mayor of Kabinda in Lomami province, after his reporting criticised her governance.

Tenende says that on October 29, the mayor called him three times and sent six messages accusing him of publishing “false information” about the hygiene conditions at her official residence. The messages included insults directed at his family and warnings that she would have him arrested. On November 12, he was threatened again following his coverage of the forced eviction of roadside vendors — an article published on Victoirerdc.net and Afrik-Info. CD.

This is the second time Tshiabu has issued threats to a journalist; last year, she targeted another reporter from Radio Tokomi Wapi. Additionally, officials reportedly disrupted a live broadcast by forcibly entering a radio station studio.

Tshiabu told CPJ that Tenende was allegedly working with unnamed politicians to spread misinformation, incite tax evasion, and undermine local authorities. She claimed that a file on him had been forwarded to the national intelligence agency, the Agence Nationale de Renseignements (ANR), and warned that he would face prosecution for “slander” and pose a “security issue.”

Press-freedom advocates warn that these threats constitute a dangerous escalation of pressure on reporters covering corruption and governance issues. CPJ Africa Director Angela Quintal stated that public officials should foster — not intimidate — journalism in the service of public interest.

The case of Michael Tenende underscores a growing pattern of harassment and coercion against journalists in the DRC. Media organisations caution that such harassment chills free reporting and undermines transparency, particularly at local levels where oversight is already tenuous

Reference – 

DRC journalist Michael Tenende threatened by mayor over governance coverage