Government's media blackout on former president Joseph Kabila sparks outcry from rights groups amid accusations of rebel ties and calls for treason charges.
DR Congo Bans Media Coverge on Ex-President, Kabila





The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has imposed a media ban on activities concerning ex-president, Joseph Kabila who just returned from a self-imposed 2 years exile to South Africa.
The media ban prohibits the airing of Joseph Kabila's activities including his interviews and the activities his allies.
This directive was communicated through the Supreme Council of Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC) and the head of CSAC categorically threatened to suspend any media organization that go against the directive.
This directive has raised the question of press freedom in Congo as right groups have condemned the ban and some have even urged the government to lift the ban, shadowing
"abuse of power".
Joseph Kabila who led Congo from 2001 to 2019, has been accused for supporting the M23 rebels that have taken over some parts of the country like Goma and Bukavu. He has been
accused of backing the rebels and on the 29th of May, he was spotted in Goma (a stronghold area for the rebels) where he went for talks on peace and regional security.
He has strongly denied any connection with the M23 rebels, likewise Rwanda that have been accused to be the main back up for the M23 rebels.
Joseph Kabila has not officially been charged with any crime since his immunity was lifted on the 22nd of May, 2025 but the authorities are urging for his prosecution on charges of treason and
the links to the M23 rebels. The People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), Kabila's party has rejected the media ban and Joseph Kabila has not responded.