Journalists covering the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo face death threats and censorship, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has said.
The media watchdog said in a press release that the M23 rebel group’s assault on the city of Goma had brought familiar dangers for journalists, who for years have navigated intimidation and attacks from government and armed groups in the country’s restive, mineral-rich east.
Journalists in Goma, said CPJ, have expressed concern for their safety, with at least three reporters having received threatening messages.
Advances by the M23, which UN experts say is supported by the Rwandan military — charges Rwanda has denied — have intensified authorities’ efforts to control reporting about the conflict.
DRC ministers have accused journalists of supporting terrorism for reporting on rebel advances, suspended the Qatari-based Al Jazeera, withdrawn accreditation for the broadcaster’s reporters, and threatened to suspend other media outlets
“The escalation of the long-running conflict in eastern DRC has worsened already harsh conditions for journalists trying to cover the conflict. All parties must prioritize the safety of journalists,” said Angela Quintal, head of CPJ’s Africa program.
“Sadly, we are seeing death threats against journalists and Congolese authorities pursuing a strategy of censorship similar to that used by other governments to stifle public interest reporting of wars and security concerns,” reads the press release.
CPJ quoted Jonas Kasula, a reporter for the private online news site Labeur Info, and Jonathan Mupenda, a correspondent for the private channel Molière TV, telling it of living in fear since January 9, forced into hiding after they began receiving text messages threatening to kill them.
The messages from unknown local numbers, reviewed by CPJ, warned the Goma-based journalists that they were under surveillance.
The DRC government has also threatened the press for reporting on the escalating conflict.
CPJ disclosed that it’s text message requesting comment from M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, calls to DRC Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya and message to Al Jazeera via its website did not receive any responses.