Goma, September 15, 2023 – The Observatory for Press Freedom in Africa (OLPA) strongly condemned the confiscation of the work equipment of Jean-Claude Mukulu, journalist at Radio Amani. This community station based in Rubaya, in the mining area of Masisi territory, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is known for its commitment to freedom of expression.
On September 13, 2023, during a delegation visit to the mining sites of Luoo, D3 Bibatama and D2 Kakombe, Jean-Claude Mukulu’s equipment was confiscated by soldiers of the Republican Guard (GR). The latter also made threats against the journalist and forced him to delete the sound elements of an interview he had carried out without prior authorization.
The confiscated material was then handed over to a local official of the National Intelligence Agency (ANR) in Rubaya. The next day, Jean-Claude Mukulu was arrested at his home by a person claiming to be from the ANR, then taken to this agency’s station for close interrogation. He was finally released after 10 hours of deprivation of liberty, but only his sound recorder was returned.
Faced with this manifestly illegal act, the OLPA denounces a flagrant violation of press freedom guaranteed by Congolese legislation and international legal instruments relating to human rights. The organization therefore calls on the provincial authorities of North Kivu to promote the exercise of press freedom throughout the province.
In addition, OLPA requests the immediate and unconditional return of the journalist’s press card, in order to reaffirm his right to freely exercise his profession.
The situation of journalists in the DRC raises many concerns, as such acts of censorship and repression are becoming more and more frequent. Press freedom is an essential pillar of any democracy, and it is essential to protect journalists in the exercise of their information and fact-checking work.
It is necessary for the Congolese authorities to take concrete measures to guarantee the safety and freedom of journalists, so that they can fulfill their essential role in society and contribute to free, pluralistic and quality information.
_____
Paraphrase of the original text with a new perspective:
Goma, a city located in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), was recently the scene of a worrying incident for press freedom. Jean-Claude Mukulu, journalist at Radio Amani, a community station committed to freedom of expression, saw his work equipment confiscated by soldiers of the Republican Guard (GR).
The journalist went to mining sites in the region to report on the working conditions of artisanal diggers. Unfortunately, he was confronted by soldiers who not only confiscated his equipment, but also threatened and harassed the journalist. Faced with these illegal acts, the Observatory for Press Freedom in Africa (OLPA) strongly condemns this attack on press freedom.
OLPA calls on provincial authorities in North Kivu to defend press freedom and take measures to ensure the safety of journalists throughout the province. It is essential that journalists can exercise their profession in complete independence and without fear of reprisals.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by journalists in the DRC, where press freedom is often threatened. It is crucial to protect journalists so that they can play their essential role in society by providing free and impartial information.
The Congolese authorities must therefore take concrete measures to guarantee the safety of journalists and promote an environment conducive to press freedom. It is their responsibility to preserve democratic principles and respect fundamental rights, such as freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
It is also important that the international community be vigilant and support efforts to protect journalists and defend press freedom in the DRC and around the world. Press freedom is a fundamental pillar of any democracy and must be preserved at all costs.