DRC: Tshisekedi's broken promises

Author: Jones Mila

• 2023-11-10 05:30:00

Under the first term of President Félix Tshisekedi, more than 500 attacks were perpetrated against the media, including the killing of five journalists.

According to Congolese non-profit organization Journaliste en Danger (JED), Tshisekedi's five-year term was marked by bullying, attacks and media closures, arrests and violence sometimes going as far as the assassinations of journalists.

In his inaugural address, Tshisekedi promised to promote the media and turn the sector into a “fourth estate.” Tshisekedi’s promise remains a dream to Congolese journalists who are now striving to survive his repression.

The same hopes for Congolese journalists faded under the reign of his predecessor Joseph Kabila.

Journaliste en Danger criticized Tshisekedi for his unfulfilled promises and lack of significant action to make journalism safer.

The consequences of these broken promises have proven fatal, as reflected in the assassinations, threats, attacks, and arrests of journalists, as well as closures and looting of media outlets recorded each year since Tshisekedi assumed office.

Related: DRC: Tshisekedi's first-term riddled with fraud, broken promises

At least 523 cases of various attacks against the press, including at least 160 arrests, more than 130 cases of threats or physical violence, and 123 cases of media houses attacked, closed or broadcasts prohibited.

The deaths of five journalists were all recorded in the provinces of eastern DRC.

These same provinces have been subject to violence and armed conflict lasting for almost three decades. Today, knowing how unpopular he is, Tshisekedi is escalating insecurity in the region in a bid to find pretexts for postponing the December 20 presidential elections.

Any journalist or media organisation trying to report the truth behind the escalation of insecurity in eastern DRC, which Tshisekedi is responsible for, becomes the target of the Congolese government.

Journaliste en Danger noted that "at least three journalists are languishing in prison in the DRC". Among them is Stanis Bujakera, correspondent for Jeune Afrique, detained since September 8 in Kinshasa. Many organizations and personalities have requested his release but in vain.

Press freedom remains a major challenge in the DRC, particularly in an electoral context where transparency and free information are essential. Tshisekedi is looking for another term but he has nothing to serve Congolese except repressing them for his personal gains.

The past five years have been wasted as he fulfilled none of his promises. And he now wishes to spend an additional five years in office. Will the Congolese people tolerate Tshisekedi’s trickeries again?