In a world where information is vital to democracy, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at a critical point in its history. At a time when the country is aspiring to promote the rule of law and human rights, dark clouds are darkening the media sky. A worrying situation that calls for urgent attention.
A decade of human rights violations
For more than a decade, the DRC has witnessed serious human rights violations in all its provinces. It is a reality that contrasts sharply with the rhetoric of the rule of law preached by the country. Against this backdrop, we, organisations involved in the defence of human rights, draw the attention of the country's highest authorities to an alarming situation: the deterioration in freedom of expression for journalists and human rights defenders, and the reduction in civic space.
The case of Stanis BUJAKERA TSHIAMALA
Our alert was triggered by the arrest on Friday 8 September 2023 of journalist Stanis BUJAKERA TSHIAMALA, Deputy Publishing Director of the news website Actualités.cd and correspondent for Jeune Afrique magazine in Kinshasa. This spectacular arrest took place at Ndjili airport, just as the journalist was about to fly to Lubumbashi, in the province of Haut-Katanga.
On Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September 2023, Stanis BUJAKERA TSHIAMALA was questioned by the Commission investigating the murder of former Transport Minister and national MP Chérubin OKENDE. The charges against him are dissemination of false information concerning a report attributed to the ANR and published in the newspaper Jeune Afrique.
The journalist was detained at the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Kinshasa/Gombe Tribunal de Grande Instance from 11 September 2023, before being transferred to Makala central prison on 14 September 2023. This arrest, which came just a few months before the presidential and legislative elections, is not only a setback for press freedom, but also a violation of the right to freedom of movement, as it prevents the journalist from carrying out his work.
Call to Action
We strongly condemn the pressure exerted on the journalist, aimed at silencing him and taking away his sources of information. We urge the Congolese authorities, in particular the judicial system, to focus on solving the murder of Chérubin OKENDE instead of persecuting a journalist who was simply doing his job. In this crucial election period, we urge the authorities to guarantee respect for fundamental freedoms of opinion and expression.
The Call to Liberation
We are deeply concerned about the psychological and physical impact of this arrest on Stanis BUJAKERA TSHIAMALA. We demand his immediate and unconditional release, so that he can resume his essential role in society as an independent journalist. This unbearable situation tarnishes the image of the DRC and its leaders, who should be working to implement the recommendations of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) in May 2019.
To remember
The DRC is at a crucial crossroads in its history, where the protection of press freedom and human rights is essential to ensure a democratic future. We call on the authorities to reaffirm their commitment to the rule of law and freedom of expression. The international community as a whole must also follow developments closely and support the defence of human rights in the DRC.
Signed by the organisations :
- Ukingo Wetu Synergy (SUWE)
- SOS - Multisectoral Legal Information (SOS IJM)
- Working together for human rights
- Diakonia
- The Voice of the Voiceless for Human Rights (VSV)
- Foyer de Développement pour l'Autopromotion des Personnes Indigentes et en Détresse (FDAPID) (Development Foundation for the Self-Promotion of Indigent and Distressed Persons)
- Haki Zangu
- Network for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Victims and Witnesses (VIWINE)
- Network for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, Victims, Witnesses and Media Professionals (REPRODEV)
- Partnership for Integrated Protection (PPI)
- European Network for Central Africa (EURAC)
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