### Social Media Shutdown in Congo: A Warning Shot in the Age of Disinformation
Since this weekend, a digital blackout has hit several Congolese cities, depriving millions of residents of access to social media platforms such as TikTok and X. While the authorities in Kinshasa have not yet made this shutdown official, it clearly raises fundamental questions about freedom of expression, the right to information, and the management of disinformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
#### Context: An Unbalanced Struggle
The Congolese media landscape is particularly chaotic, fueled by a complex environment that combines armed conflicts, political issues, and a civil society in search of the truth. North Kivu and South Kivu have been the scene of persistent violence fueled by regional antagonisms, including tensions with Rwanda. In this fragile context, social networks play a dual role: they are used to relay crucial information, but also to spread rumors and fake news.
The initiative to cut off access to platforms circulating information – whether true or false – may seem to be a response to a crisis of confidence in traditional media. But the lack of transparency and dialogue around this decision makes its effectiveness questionable. The paradox here is that removing access to these communication tools only encourages opacity and speculation, two factors that are already too present in the public debate.
#### The social and psychological consequences
For residents, the loss of access to these digital media is not simply a question of entertainment or escapism. Testimonies show that many Congolese relied on these platforms to obtain authentic information in an often misleading environment. “I miss TikTok a lot!” says one user. This cry from the heart illustrates that these digital spaces have become places of comfort and information for a population thirsty for clarity in times of crisis.
Considering the data: according to a report by the International Telecommunications Union, the DRC had approximately 13.5 million internet users in 2022, with a majority of them accessing these services via their smartphone. This means that millions of voices are now silenced, fueling growing despair in the face of the current situation.
#### A counterproductive decision?
The NGO Internet without Borders highlights the dangers of such a restriction. Cutting off access to the internet can be seen as an attempt to control information, but it is also a way of creating an information vacuum that could be exploited by divergent interests, both internal and external. The lack of official communication on this decision, combined with inadequate information management, could leave room for all possible interpretations, whether allegations of foreign interference, government espionage, or even conflicts of interest within the Congolese political class.
The paradox is also visible in the responses of political leaders. Elie Mugisho, a UDPS executive, encourages citizens’ patience, while conveying a message that links national security to the need to bayonet public debate. This message, far from allaying fears, could in fact exacerbate mistrust and anxiety among those who already feel marginalized by the ruling class.
#### A Worrying Trend
A deeper dive into this situation reveals that the social media shutdown in the DRC is not an isolated case, but part of a global trend where governments are resorting to temporary internet shutdowns to prevent an information debacle. A Freedom House report documented a 50% increase in internet shutdowns worldwide between 2020 and 2022, illustrating an alarming and growing phenomenon.
The DRC faces unique challenges in terms of freedom of expression and digital governance. Internet shutdowns are exacerbating an already palpable crisis of trust between the government and its citizens, leading to potential tensions that can translate into protests or protest movements. This suggests that an open dialogue on managing disinformation may be a more fruitful path than repression.
#### Conclusion
As Congolese people struggle to navigate this new ocean of digital silence, it is crucial that the state and civil society establish a constructive dialogue around the issue of disinformation and digital freedoms. Rather than crossing the Rubicon of censorship, the DRC could consider alternatives such as digital education, strengthening journalistic ethics, and partnerships with fact-checking organizations.
At a time when social media seems to be not only vectors of information, but also tools of emancipation and resilience, the future of freedom of expression in the DRC will depend on the ability of leaders to respond to the call for transparency rather than the temptation of control. Congolese people deserve to know the truth about their reality, without hindrance and without fear.