DR Congo bans media coverage of ex-president Kabila
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has banned all media coverage of former President Joseph Kabila and interviews with members of his political party.
The decision was announced by the head of the national media regulator, Christian Bosembe, who warned that any media outlet that disobeys the directive risks suspension.
The ban follows Kabila’s recent return to the country after two years of self-imposed exile, and comes at a time of rising tensions between him and President Félix Tshisekedi's administration.
Authorities are seeking to prosecute Kabila on accusations of treason and alleged links to the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting the Congolese army.
Kabila has previously denied any connection to the group.
The Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), which issued the ban, has faced backlash over the decision. The secretary of Kabila’s party, Ferdinand Kambere, rejected the order on X, calling it “arbitrary.” Civil rights activist Jean-Claude Katende said the move amounts to an “abuse of power,” according to local media.
A spokesperson for the M23 rebels dismissed the ban, saying media outlets in areas they control would not follow the directive.
Kabila was recently seen in Goma, an eastern city currently under M23 control, where he has met with civil society groups and religious leaders.
His party has continued to share his activities online.
The former president has been openly critical of the current government since the Senate voted to lift his immunity over the alleged M23 links.
Last month, he described the government as a "dictatorship."
In response, a government spokesperson said Kabila had "nothing to offer."
Political analyst Ambroise Mamba said on X that the ban could backfire by drawing more public attention to Kabila and increasing curiosity about his activities.
Rwanda, a neighbour to DR Congo, has also been accused of backing the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies. Kabila has not been formally charged with any offence.
