** Freedom of the press to the prism of the conflict: the situation of journalists in Goma and beyond **
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is often perceived as a country plagued by endless conflicts, humanitarian crises and chronic political instability. The last episode of this infamous saga takes place in the east of the country, where the city of Goma fell under the control of the rebels of the M23/AFC. This development has not only exacerbated fear among the population, but it also had a devastating impact on press freedom, transforming the media landscape into a ground for censorship and risks for journalists.
The current situation in Goma is not an isolated case. According to the non -governmental journalist organization in danger (JED), attacks on the freedom to inform are multiplying in the country. The recent kidnapping of TUVER WUNDI, provincial director of Congolese National Radiation (RTNC) in Goma, poignantly illustrates this reality. His detention since February 25, 2025, in a context where journalists must choose between survival and truth, raises worrying questions about the state of freedom of expression in a country desperately seeking to rebuild.
** A freedom to inform in free fall **
It is essential to highlight the growing restriction of the freedom to inform in areas under the control of the rebels. Claudine Kitumaini, a journalist based in Bukavu, underlines with a palpable concern that journalists, in particular those of the independent media, are often forced to self-censorship or hiding. A report by reporters Without Borders in 2023 classified the DRC in 150th on 180 countries in terms of press freedom, an alarming figure which testifies to a worrying trend.
Journalists are imposed on strict guidelines, often having no choice but to adapt their media coverage to preserve their lives. This phenomenon is not unique to the DRC; In several regions of the world where armed groups operate, journalists are at the crossroads, opposing their duty to inform their right to life. Similar cases can be observed in Syria, Yemen or in certain parts of Latin America, where the role of journalists has turned into a perilous mission.
** repercussions beyond borders **
The impact of this media repression is not limited only to journalists. Disinformation and lack of objective coverage create a void that can be filled by propaganda. The propaganda of rebels, often carefully orchestrated, can thus influence the perceptions of both local and international populations. In addition, the incapacity of journalists to cover independently the events in progress in Goma can exacerbate distrust towards institutions, both national and international, making any peaceful resolution of the conflict more difficult.
The humanitarian consequences of this informational crisis should also be mentioned. The lack of coverage on the reality on the ground, from violence suffered by civilians to humanitarian efforts to help the most affected, constitutes a major obstacle to international mobilization. NGOs and other stakeholders must count on sporadic information, often unreliable, to guide their actions and decisions.
** Call for action: Promote a secure and ethical journalism **
Faced with these challenges, it is crucial to offer concrete solutions to protect journalists in the DRC. The establishment of suitable security protocols, the training of journalists in conflict situations and the support of international press organizations can help strengthen the resilience of reporters. In addition, the international community must commit to putting pressure on armed groups to guarantee the security of journalists and to publicly denounce the damage to the rights of the media.
Increased support for journalists, through security scholarships and international networking, is also essential to break the cycle of fear and silence. By encouraging the emergence of independent media and by supporting secure information platforms, freedom of expression can find a semblance of vitality, even within the most troubled places.
** Conclusion: Reinvent information resilience **
The fight for freedom of the press in the DRC is inseparable from the quest for a better future for its citizens. Many people aspire to a truly open democracy, where information circulates freely and where each voice can contribute to national dialogue. Like Goma, many regions of the world testify every day of the resilience of journalists in the face of adversity. The current circumstances remind everyone of the vital importance of a free and independent press as the foundation of a democratic society. Instead of being trapped by fear, journalists can, together, get up and claim the freedom to inform, for themselves and for future generations.