The Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen a sharp rise in physical assaults and threats against journalists, a trend that has continued into November, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The surge is linked in part to the country’s worsening Ebola virus outbreak, which has sparked a backlash against reporters covering the disease in the eastern region.
Journalists who have been documenting the spread of Ebola in provinces such as North Kivu and Ituri have faced intimidation, attacks, and intimidation from local actors. The CPJ reports that these incidents have increased as the outbreak has intensified, with some reporters receiving threats that could deter them from covering the story.
“The situation is becoming increasingly dangerous for those who are reporting on the epidemic,” said a CPJ spokesperson. “The backlash against journalists is a serious concern for press freedom and public health communication.”
Health officials say the Ebola outbreak remains a major public health crisis, with the eastern DRC accounting for the majority of new cases. The heightened tension has raised alarms among international media organisations, which warn that a lack of independent reporting could hamper efforts to control the disease.
In response, the Congolese government has urged journalists to adhere to safety protocols and to cooperate with health authorities. However, the CPJ stresses that protecting reporters remains essential to ensure accurate and timely information reaches the public.
<small>Source: AllAfrica — read the original story there.</small>
