Financial Crime World

DRC’s Press Freedom Crisis: Self-Censorship and Whistleblower Persecution Mar Journalistic Pursuit

Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo - The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has long been plagued by restrictions on press freedom, with journalists facing intimidation, arrest, and even murder. A recent report by Freedom House labeled the country as “not free,” citing numerous limitations on press freedom despite its recognition in the Congolese constitution.

Restrictive Laws and Vague Legislation

The 2006 “Dangerous Speech and Message in the Press” legislation has been used to muzzle critical reporting, prohibiting coverage of anything that could incite hatred, disobedience, or discrimination. The vague nature of this law and the severe penalties for violators have led to widespread self-censorship among journalists.

Examples of Self-Censorship

  • In May 2020, journalist Fabrice Ngani was arrested for writing a critical letter to the governor of Mongala province. He was later banned from working as a journalist by provincial authorities.
  • In December 2020, RFI journalist Pascal Mulegwa faced a libel lawsuit from former Deputy Prime Minister Jose Makila over a report accusing him of embezzling funds to finance his election campaign.

Persecution of Whistleblowers

The DRC’s treatment of whistleblowers has also been marked by repression and intimidation. Since 2016, several cases have emerged, including:

Examples of Whistleblower Persecution

  • Jean Jacques Lumumba exposed suspicious transactions at the Congolese bank BGFI, but was threatened with a gun and forced to flee the country.
  • Gradi Koko and Navy Makela, two whistleblowers who worked for Afriland First Bank, uncovered suspicious transactions but were eventually forced to flee to France after being threatened and intimidated. They learned of their death sentence in absentia by a Kinshasa court.

International Response

The international community has spoken out against the DRC’s treatment of whistleblowers and journalists, with organizations such as:

  • Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
  • Whistleblowing International Network
  • Transparency International
  • Over 50 other groups demanding legal protections for whistleblowers and calling for an end to the persecution of journalists and whistleblowers.

The Situation Remains Dire

Despite some improvements, journalists continue to face threats, physical violence, arrests, long detentions, and even murder. The DRC’s president, Felix Tshisekedi, has pledged to make the media a “fourth estate,” but concrete actions are needed to restore press freedom and protect those who dare to speak truth to power.

Press Freedom Ranking

RSF ranks the DRC 149th out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. The situation remains dire, with journalists continuing to face numerous challenges in their pursuit of journalistic truth.