The NGO “Journaliste En Danger (Journalist in danger)” denounces the restrictions imposed on the media by the M23 rebels in the occupied territories. In a press release issued on Thursday 21 August 2025, the organization expresses its deep concern and strongly condemns the threats made against the media operating in the province of South Kivu by the leaders of this rebellion.

“The head of the communication, media and postal department of the AFC/M23, Lawrence Kanyuka, held a meeting on Monday 18 August 2025 with radio, television and online media managers in Bukavu, during which threats were made to close down media outlets that did not comply with regulations imposed unilaterally by the armed group”, reads the statement.

At that meeting, JED reports that “media representatives were ordered to comply with a new circular note n°33 imposing an annual fee, an operating license and a frequency assignment. An inspection detachment is even planned in the coming days to force the application of these measures, under threat of outright closure of media outlets that refuse to comply. Even more worryingly, the media have been banned from relaying any information deemed favorable to the regime in Kinshasa, the FARDC or the Wazalendo, on the pretext of the “principle of reciprocity” with regard to the restrictions imposed by the Congolese authorities”.

JED considers these decisions to be unacceptable and illegal interference in the operation of the media, in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of press freedom, pluralism of information and the public’s right to be informed in a balanced and independent manner.

“By imposing political and ideological censorship and seeking to silence dissenting voices, the AFC/M23 movement is directly attacking the integrity of journalistic work and jeopardizing the safety of journalists in an area already marked by instability,” says the NGO, which demands:

1. The immediate withdrawal of all coercive measures imposed on the media by the AFC/M23;

2. An end to threats and intimidation against media professionals operating in South Kivu;

3. Respect for the right to information and editorial independence of the media, even in areas under the control of armed groups.

The NGO “calls on the international community, press freedom organizations and the DRC’s partners to take action against this authoritarian drift, which is increasing the risks for journalists in the east of the country”.

Written by Azarias Mokonzi