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Former DR Congo President, Joseph Kabila URN The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has imposed a ban on all media coverage of former president Joseph Kabila Kabange, citing his alleged links to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels. The directi
Former DR Congo President, Joseph Kabila
URN
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has imposed a ban on all media coverage of former president Joseph Kabila Kabange, citing his alleged links to the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels.
The directive, issued through the Higher Council for Audiovisual and Communication (CSAC), also prohibits coverage of the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), Kabila’s political party.
In a statement released Wednesday, CSAC President Christian Bosembe ordered all journalists in the country to refrain from covering, commenting on, or relaying any information related to the PPRD or its leader, Kabila.
Bosembe defended the decision, stating that it does not constitute censorship or a violation of rights, arguing instead that “the media must not be used as a platform for subversion.” Kabila has yet to respond publicly to the ban.
However, M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a brief statement dismissing the order, asserting that it holds no authority in areas under the rebel group's control.
“The Kinshasa regime's decision to ban the dissemination of information relating to the activities of President Joseph Kabila Kabange does not apply to journalists and media outlets in the liberated areas,” Kanyuka said.
Kabila, currently residing in North Kivu province—under the control of M23 rebels—has reportedly been meeting various stakeholders, including religious leaders. On May 22, 2025, the Senate sitting at the People’s Palace in Kinshasa voted to lift Kabila’s immunity over alleged ties with the M23 rebels.
The move also authorized legal proceedings against him on charges of treason, including colluding with a foreign power to overthrow constitutional institutions, and participating in war crimes due to alleged support for an armed group responsible for serious violations of international humanitarian law.
In April 2025, Justice Minister Constant Mutamba announced the initiation of legal proceedings against Kabila, following his surprise visit to Goma, a city currently under M23 control.
Arriving in a convoy escorted by M23 fighters, Kabila appeared alongside prominent Congolese journalist Steve Wembi, who had also been living in exile in Rwanda. The visit sparked widespread speculation that the former president was actively supporting the rebel movement.
Justice Minister Mutamba subsequently ordered the seizure of all movable and immovable property belonging to Kabila and announced the nationwide suspension of all PPRD activities.
Several senior party officials were also arrested for interrogation over alleged links to the M23 rebels. M23 rebels currently control significant portions of North and South Kivu provinces, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu, Goma International Airport, and Kavumu Airport.
Since the insurgency resumed in 2022 under the leadership of Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, the Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the M23—a claim both Rwanda and the rebels deny.
The group maintains that its fight is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC’s leadership.