News: Immediate reopening of Radio Top Lisala and cancellation of the Mayor’s measures against the media and journalist Anicet Moleka
In a letter addressed to the Governor of Mongala province, the Observatory of Press Freedom in Africa (OLPA) urges the immediate reopening of Radio Top Lisala and the reversal of the excessive measures taken by the Mayor of the city against the media and the journalist Anicet Moleka.
According to the letter, dated October 30, 2023, the radio station was closed on October 6, 2023 by the Mayor of the town of Lisala, accompanied by the Congolese National Police and the National Intelligence Agency. This closure follows the broadcast, on September 30, 2023, of a program presented by Anicet Moleka, accused of having committed “press crimes”.
The Mayor of the city had also issued an urban decree on August 4, 2023, withdrawing from Anicet Moleka his rights to broadcast his broadcasts on any radio station in Lisala. Since then, the radio station has been under the control of security forces who prevent access to staff.
OLPA considers that these measures are excessive and violate the principles of press freedom established by the Constitution and legislation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The non-governmental organization therefore calls on the Governor of Mongala province to intervene and restore freedom of the press by annulling the Mayor’s decisions.
The OLPA also recalls that freedom of the press is an important pillar of the rule of law and that the repression of the media and journalists undermines the democratic foundations of the country.
In conclusion, the Africa Press Freedom Observatory calls on the Governor of Mongala province to take immediate measures to reopen Radio Top Lisala and protect press freedom in his jurisdiction. OLPA relies on the Governor’s commitment to the rule of law to ensure that such abuses of power do not recur and that the press can exercise its role as the fourth estate in the country.
Sources:
– Letter from OLPA addressed to the Governor of Mongala province
– Ordinance-law No. 23/009 of March 13, 2023 establishing the terms and conditions for exercising freedom of the press, freedom of information and broadcast by radio and television, the written press or any other means of communication in the Democratic Republic of Congo
– Organic law of January 10, 2011 relating to the composition, attribution and operation of the Superior Audiovisual and Communication Council (CSAC)