The safety of journalists in Beni, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), continues to raise serious concerns. The Journalist in Danger (JED) is sounding the alarm about the climate of insecurity that reigns in this town, located 400 km from Goma, in the province of North Kivu.
Recently, an attack took place at the home of Dodo Mathe, journalist at Radio Télévision Rwanzururu (RTR) and correspondent for the online media congorassure.cd. Seriously injured, he was admitted to hospital, while his house was looted and some of his belongings taken away. Faced with this worrying situation, the Congolese national police announced the opening of an investigation in order to dismantle the network of criminals raging in this part of the city.
Police spokesman Nasson Murara highlighted the rise in bandit activity and the importance of securing residents, including media professionals, under the prevailing state of siege. The Journalist in Danger therefore calls for investigations to be accelerated and for security measures to be put in place to protect journalists in this region.
The insecurity of journalists in Beni is a recurring problem that undermines press freedom and the dissemination of information. Media professionals play a fundamental role in society by informing the public in an independent and objective manner. Their safety and protection are essential to ensure an environment conducive to freedom of expression and democracy.
It is therefore essential that the Congolese authorities take concrete measures to ensure the safety of journalists and to fight effectively against the insecurity that reigns in Beni. Thorough investigations must be carried out to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these attacks. This is about protecting the fundamental rights of journalists, but also respecting freedom of expression and the right to information for all Congolese citizens.
The media and international human rights organizations must also continue to highlight these attacks and pressure the authorities to take adequate action. The international community must support the DRC in its efforts to guarantee the safety of journalists and promote an environment conducive to the free and unhindered exercise of the press.
Freedom of the press is an essential pillar of any democracy. By protecting journalists and ensuring their safety, we uphold democratic values and justice for all