In Kinshasa, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a warning to the leaders of the newly formed rebel coalition, the Front for the Refoundation of the Nation (FRN), urging them to safeguard the safety of journalist Guillaume Munguakonkwa and to end the censorship of Kamole FM.
The FRN, a recent entrant into the complex landscape of armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been accused of restricting media operations in areas under its influence. The CPJ’s appeal comes amid growing concerns that the group’s actions are undermining press freedom in the capital.
Guillaume Munguakonkwa, a local reporter, has reportedly faced threats and intimidation following his coverage of the FRN’s activities. The CPJ stresses that protecting journalists is essential for maintaining an open and accountable public discourse.
In addition to threats against individual reporters, the CPJ highlights the FRN’s ongoing censorship of Kamole FM, a popular radio station that has been broadcasting independent news and commentary. The suppression of this outlet has raised alarms among media watchdogs and civil society groups.
“We call on the FRN leadership to ensure the safety of journalists, to stop censoring Kamole FM, and to allow media outlets to cover news freely and independently,” the CPJ said, underscoring the importance of an independent press for the country’s democratic future.
<small>Source: AllAfrica — read the original story there.</small>
