Media repression in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to make headlines with the arrest and prolonged detention of journalist Stanis Bujakera. This Reuters and Jeune Afrique correspondent was arrested on September 8 for an article published in JA implicating military intelligence in the assassination of former minister Chérubin Okende.
Despite the efforts of his lawyers, the journalist’s request for provisional release was rejected by the Congolese courts on September 25. This decision arouses the incomprehension of many observers, including Thomas Fessy, researcher specializing in the DRC for Human Rights Watch. According to him, it is difficult to understand how Stanis Bujakera can be held responsible for an article that he did not write. Furthermore, the authorities ask the journalist to reveal his sources, thus violating the fundamental principle of protecting journalistic sources.
This prolonged detention is a new illustration of the growing repression against the media in the DRC, less than three months before the general elections scheduled for December 20, 2023. According to Thomas Fessy, attacking the most followed journalist in the country amounts to in reality to attack the entire Congolese press, and this risks creating an environment not conducive to a peaceful electoral process.
Since his arrest, many voices have been raised to demand the release of Stanis Bujakera. However, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi said he could not intervene in the legal process, citing the need to shed light on the matter.
This case highlights the challenges faced by journalists in the DRC, who face threats, intimidation and now arrests for simply doing their work. Press freedom is an essential pillar of any democracy, and it is crucial that the Congolese authorities end the repression of the media and guarantee an environment conducive to the practice of journalism.
In conclusion, the prolonged detention of journalist Stanis Bujakera in the DRC highlights the growing repression against the media in the country. It is essential that the Congolese authorities release the journalist and put an end to this attack on press freedom.