The arrest of journalist Stanis Bujakera at Kinshasa airport arouses concern and indignation. Correspondent for the magazine Jeune Afrique, Reuters and deputy publishing director of the Congolese media ACTUALITE.CD, Bujakera was arrested while trying to take his flight to Lubumbashi, capital of the Haut-Katanga province.
This arrest comes against a backdrop of growing tensions over freedom of expression in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a few months before the general elections. The LAMUKA coalition, an opposition platform, as well as national deputies and human rights organizations denounce this obstruction of press freedom and demand the immediate release of Bujakera.
Bujakera’s case is unfortunately not isolated. Many Congolese journalists and media professionals face pressure, intimidation and unjustified arrests in their work to inform the population. The authorities must understand that journalism is not a crime and that freedom of expression is an essential pillar of any democracy.
It is important to emphasize that the media plays a crucial role in society by informing, enlightening and making different voices heard. Depriving journalists of their freedom to work amounts to depriving the population of their right to information.
This arrest once again highlights the importance of protecting and supporting press freedom in the Democratic Republic of Congo and around the world. It is crucial that journalists can carry out their profession safely and without fear of reprisals.
In conclusion, the arrest of journalist Stanis Bujakera is an attack on press freedom which must be condemned. The Congolese authorities must immediately release Bujakera and guarantee an environment conducive to freedom of expression and media work. Civil society and the international community must remain vigilant and demand accountability so that such acts do not occur in the future.