** Liberation of God-Merci Betima: a victory for press freedom or a sword in the water? **
Kinshasa, March 4, 2025-The recent liberation of the journalist God-Merci Betima after 24 hours of detention arouses a deeper reflection on the challenges that the press faced in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Although his enlargement is celebrated as a victory for the defense of freedom of expression, he also raises fundamental questions about the media environment in which Congolese journalists evolve.
### An insufficient legislative framework
Betima’s detention occurred following the publication of an article on fatshimetrie.org, where he mentioned allegations of embezzlement concerning Mr. Jonas Bakyabotane, an official involved in the management of public resources. Although Congolese law guarantees press freedom exists in texts, its practice remains problematic. The articles of law, often out of step with reality, do not always protect journalists against intimidation which can result in arbitrary detentions. According to a report by the Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ), the DRC was among the 10 countries in the most risky world for information players in 2023.
### The culture of fear and its consequences
Betima arrest is not an isolated case. In March 2025, several other journalists have faced similar measures for reasons which, at first glance, seem to be motivated by the desire to manage information which could harm certain interests. This culture of fear can have catastrophic consequences on the national media landscape, harming the integrity of information and its crucial role in society. Could the liberation of Betima, however, pave the way for a questioning of this dynamic?
### The fundamental role of media in a democracy
The media, as verification institutions, play an essential role in maintaining democratic balance. Indeed, the right to information is at the heart of human rights and it appears as a sine qua non condition for development and good governance. In this context, it is imperative that the authorities, in particular in regions such as high-elele, take the measure of the issues and responsibilities that are in charge of support for freedom of expression.
### What prospects for the Congolese press?
To go further, it is essential to establish an environment that promotes rigorous investigation journalism, far from the political or economic issues that undermine its freedom. In parallel, initiatives aimed at educating the public on the importance of a free press should be set up, so that the population feels concerned by the threats to information on information.
A possible development could be the implementation of supporting platforms for threatened or worried journalists, as well as programs intended to strengthen investigative journalism skills within Congolese journalism schools.
### Conclusion: a glimmer of hope in darkness
The liberation of God-Merci Betima underlines a pivotal moment for the press in the DRC. Although it is crucial to applaud each victory against repression, it is equally essential to remain vigilant in the face of persistent challenges. The path to a free and responsible press is strewn with pitfalls, but the commitment of all, journalists, NGOs and citizens, can contribute to a societal transformation where truth, integrity and justice prevail. In the end, it is the vitality of Congolese democracy that is at stake. It is time for each actor to play their role and work for a better future for press freedom.