Human Rights Watch has denounced the recent suspension of Congolese journalist Jessy Kabasele by the country’s Communication and Broadcasting Board (CSAC). The suspension, which has no specified end date, came after Kabasele conducted an interview with renowned singer Koffi Olomide on “Le Panier The Morning Show,” during which Olomide criticized the Congolese army’s response to M23 rebels as insufficiently robust.
The interview aired on the state-run broadcasting company and quickly drew the ire of the CSAC. The media regulator accused Kabasele of failing to adequately reframe Olomide’s remarks, which it claimed undermined the government’s extensive efforts and sacrifices in combating the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group. The CSAC summoned both Kabasele and Olomide last week, while Olomide’s legal team met with a prosecutor on July 15.
Congolese authorities have been engaged in renewed hostilities against the M23 rebels since 2022 in North Kivu province. The conflict has been a sensitive topic for the government, which has implemented stringent measures to control media coverage. In February, the CSAC issued a directive requiring media outlets not to broadcast debates on the Congolese army’s operations without including at least one expert on the matter. The directive also discouraged radio phone-ins discussing the conflict and interviewing individuals deemed “negative forces,” a term criticized for its vagueness.
In April, the CSAC further recommended that media outlets refrain from broadcasting information about the rebellion in eastern DRC without relying on official government sources. Human Rights Watch criticized these measures, arguing that they fail to meet international standards for freedom of expression, even during states of emergency. Such standards require restrictions to have a clear legal basis and to be necessary and proportionate.
“The suspension of Jessy Kabasele and the censorship of Koffi Olomide’s criticisms are reminiscent of other instances where journalists and public figures have been targeted for expressing dissenting views,” Human Rights Watch stated. “Instead of punishing journalists and citizens for their perspectives on a crisis that is devastating the country, authorities should protect their rights to operate safely and freely.”
The organization emphasized the dangerous conditions faced by Congolese journalists, especially those reporting from the eastern provinces, and commended their dedication. Human Rights Watch called on the Congolese government to respect freedom of the press and allow journalists to report on the conflict without fear of retribution.
The suspension of Kabasele has sparked concern among media professionals and human rights advocates, who view it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the country continues to grapple with the M23 insurgency, the role of an independent and critical media remains crucial in ensuring transparency and accountability.
