Several months after the capture of Goma and other towns in North and South Kivu, the M23 rebel group is tightening its control over information in the areas under its occupation, according to Reporters Without Borders (RSF). The organization has raised concerns about the increasing pressure on journalists and the systematic censorship of local media.
Since securing key territories in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the M23 has launched efforts to “win hearts and minds.” One such initiative included a mandatory “M23 ideology training” session for professionals across various sectors, held in North Kivu in March.
Specifically targeting journalists, the M23’s communication unit convened a meeting on February 23 in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. About sixty media owners and journalists were summoned and issued a set of strict directives. Among them: a ban on broadcasting statements from the Congolese government, prohibition of reporting negative news about the M23, and an order to replace the term “occupation” with “liberation” in all media content related to territorial control.
Despite multiple requests from RSF for comment, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka has remained silent.
“Many reporters are fleeing North and South Kivu, where most urban areas are under M23 control, fearing for their safety,” said Sadibou Marong, head of RSF’s Sub-Saharan Africa bureau. “Journalists face threats, warnings, kidnappings, and unlawful detention. The rebel group’s latest measures severely undermine press freedom and amount to propaganda. RSF calls on M23 to respect the right to information.”
Since the fall of Goma and Bukavu, journalists critical of the rebels’ abuses have been increasingly targeted. In February, at least two media executives in North Kivu were kidnapped and held for more than ten days by M23 fighters. Many others have reported being threatened or intimidated. One journalist told RSF he receives anonymous sarcastic messages questioning his decision to cease reporting after his town was seized. Another is reportedly being pressured by senior M23 figures to formally join the rebel movement.
The environment for journalists in the region has sharply deteriorated since early 2024. RSF documented at least 26 radio stations either looted or forcibly shut down in North Kivu between January 2024 and January 2025.
The Democratic Republic of Congo ranks 123rd out of 180 countries and territories in RSF’s 2024 World Press Freedom Index.
Therwandan
