Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have banned media outlets from covering the activities of former President Joseph Kabila or interviewing members of his political party, amid rising tensions between Kabila and the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.
The directive, announced by the country’s media regulator—the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC)—follows Kabila’s return to DR Congo last month after a two-year absence. He has since made high-profile appearances, including in the eastern city of Goma, which is currently under the control of M23 rebels.
CSAC chief Christian Bosembe warned that violations of the ban could result in suspension of media operations.
The government is reportedly pushing to prosecute Kabila on charges of treason and alleged ties to the M23 rebel group—accusations he has previously denied. The former president has not been formally charged but has openly criticized the Tshisekedi administration, calling it a “dictatorship” following the Senate’s move to lift his immunity.
Kabila’s party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), rejected the media ban. Party secretary Ferdinand Kambere denounced the order as “arbitrary” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
M23 rebels also weighed in, saying outlets in areas under their control would not adhere to the ban.
The decision has sparked criticism from civil society. Jean-Claude Katende, president of the African Association for the Defence of Human Rights, labeled the move an “abuse of power,” according to local media. Political analyst Ambroise Mamba warned on social media that the censorship could backfire by fueling public curiosity.
Since his return, Kabila has appeared in several online videos visiting religious leaders and civil society organizations in Goma, signaling a potential political comeback despite mounting legal and political pressure.