In a move drawing concern from press freedom advocates and international observers, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a sweeping media blackout on former President Joseph Kabila and his political party. The decision comes as authorities intensify a treason investigation against the former leader, who governed the country from 2001 to 2019.
Christian Bosembe, head of the Congolese Higher Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), announced on Wednesday that all forms of media — including print, broadcast, and online platforms — are prohibited from covering Kabila or his People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD).
“This is not censorship,” Bosembe insisted during a press briefing in Kinshasa. “It is a directive aligned with a government policy that places an embargo on the public activities of the PPRD, which we believe pose a serious threat to national security.”
He warned that any outlet found violating the order would face immediate suspension of operations.
Political Fallout and Rebellion Links
The decision to implement a media ban follows rising tensions in eastern DR Congo, where the government alleges that Kabila is collaborating with the M23 rebel group — a Rwandan-backed militia that currently controls parts of North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Authorities claim that Kabila’s public appearances, particularly his recent visit to Goma — a stronghold of M23 forces — are part of a strategy to destabilize the country and foment insurrection.
“Kabila’s presence in territories under the control of a foreign-backed rebel group raises serious questions,” said Justice Minister Constant Mutamba. “His actions are being investigated under charges that include treason, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and participation in an insurrectional movement.”
Kabila has denied any affiliation with the M23 or any intention to undermine the state. During a rally in Goma last week, the former president told supporters, “I am here for peace, not war. I have no links to rebellion. My aim is to contribute to the stability and unity of this great nation.”
Legal Troubles Mount
Tensions escalated further in May when Congo’s upper house of parliament voted overwhelmingly to lift Kabila’s legal immunity, a privilege he held as a former head of state. The vote has cleared the path for prosecutors to move forward with a full criminal investigation.
Speaking to reporters, Mutamba emphasized that the lifting of immunity was a constitutional decision reflecting the gravity of the accusations. “The people of Congo demand accountability, regardless of past titles or positions,” he stated.
According to the Ministry of Justice, the prosecutor’s office has already opened a formal probe into Kabila’s alleged dealings with armed groups, foreign governments, and corrupt networks that threaten Congo’s fragile peace.
While no arrest warrant has been issued, legal experts believe that the case could move quickly given the mounting evidence and political will to pursue charges.
Press Freedom Under Threat?
The blanket media ban, however, has sparked criticism from local and international press freedom groups who view the move as a dangerous precedent.
“Shutting down all media discussion of a prominent political figure — especially one facing legal scrutiny — undermines public discourse and transparency,” said Jean-Baptiste Mbuyi, director of the Congolese Union of Journalists. “The media’s role is to inform the public, not to serve as an arm of government censorship.”
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has also issued a statement urging the Congolese government to reverse the directive, calling it “an alarming encroachment on press freedom that violates both domestic law and international democratic norms.”
In recent years, Congo has been criticized for its restrictive media environment, with numerous journalists facing harassment, arrest, or violence for their reporting. The CSAC’s order could deepen fears that the government is moving toward authoritarian practices in response to political threats.
Regional Implications
The controversy comes at a time of heightened instability in eastern DR Congo. The M23 rebellion, which has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians, continues to challenge the government’s authority in key regions. The Congolese army has struggled to regain control despite international support and regional peace efforts.
Rwanda, long accused of backing M23, has denied involvement, but relations between Kinshasa and Kigali remain tense. If Kabila is found to be working in coordination with Rwanda-backed forces, it could further destabilize the region and complicate diplomatic efforts.
“The stakes are incredibly high,” said Stephanie Wolters, an analyst at the Institute for Security Studies. “Kabila still holds sway in many parts of the country. If the investigation confirms that he is working with rebel elements, it could lead to a seismic political shift.”
Kabila’s Legacy on the Line
Joseph Kabila came to power in 2001 after the assassination of his father, Laurent-Désiré Kabila. He led the country through two election cycles and oversaw the drafting of a new constitution, but his tenure was marred by allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and failure to resolve long-standing conflicts in the east.
Since leaving office in 2019, Kabila has kept a relatively low profile, occasionally emerging for political events and religious ceremonies. His recent reappearance in eastern Congo appears to have reignited long-simmering tensions between his camp and the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi.
In a written statement released through a spokesperson, Kabila accused the current government of launching a “politically motivated witch hunt” and reiterated his commitment to peace.
“I have nothing to hide,” he said. “If they believe I’ve committed any crime, let them prove it in a court of law. But silencing my voice and that of my party only proves their fear of the truth.”
