For four months, Stanis Bujakera, deputy publication director of the Actualite.cd site and correspondent for Jeune Afrique and Reuters, has been detained in Makala prison in Kinshasa. His imprisonment followed the publication of an article by the editorial staff of Jeune Afrique, implicating Congolese military intelligence in the assassination of Chérubin Okende, a former minister who became an opponent.
This affair aroused the indignation of a group of journalists, human rights defenders and intellectuals, who signed a platform to demand the immediate release of Stanis Bujakera. They underline the competence and professionalism of journalists, and call on the authorities to respect freedom of the press and expression, essential pillars of any democracy.
However, the affair has just experienced a new twist. The expert responsible for carrying out a second opinion requested by the defense indicated to the judges that he was not able to fulfill his mission. He explained that his equipment had been damaged and he had to acquire new ones, which would take a long time. However, Stanis Bujakera’s lawyer questions the expertise of this expert, stressing that he does not have the skills required to deal with telecommunications issues.
This case highlights the difficulties that journalists can face when carrying out their profession with rigor and professionalism. This situation is unfortunately not an isolated case in Africa, where civic space is shrinking more and more. It is essential that African civil society mobilizes to support unjustly detained journalists and defend democratic values.
In conclusion, the Stanis Bujakera case highlights the dangers that journalists in Africa face when they dare to tackle sensitive subjects. It is crucial to defend press freedom and protect those who practice it with integrity. The mobilization of civil society is essential to reduce attacks on freedom of expression and allow journalists to continue their information mission without fear of reprisals.