Journalists in Eastern DRC Face Threats Over Their Reporting

Government-backed militia members have threatened to kill one journalist and set fire to another's radio station due to negative coverage. This comes as fighting continues in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, even as diplomatic efforts aim for peace.

The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, and the Congo River Alliance (AFC) made significant territorial gains in early 2025. However, they pulled back from parts of South Kivu province in May. This followed sanctions from the United States against DRC’s former President Joseph Kabila and the Rwandan army. The US claimed Kabila and Rwanda were aiding the rebels, breaking a peace agreement from December. Rwanda called the US claims one-sided.

For journalists in the area, these changing frontlines have made their work riskier. They are covering fierce battles and drone strikes in areas where civilians live. None of the fighting groups want reporters to cover their actions freely. Many journalists have left eastern DRC, while those who stay face threats from both sides.

‘Keep publishing your stories, and you’ll be killed’

Anne Nanduhura from Radio Tuungane told CPJ she received three threats in June over her reports on government attacks and blockades in Minembwe commune. This area is a hotspot and home to the Banyamulenge ethnic group. The Twirwaneho, a Banyamulenge armed group allied with M23/AFC, took control of this strategic highland area in 2025.

To regain control, the government and its allies have surrounded Minembwe. This has forced many people to flee and blocked food and medical supplies. Fighting continues in the region.

“I have produced several reports focusing on drone strikes, the conflict’s impact on civilians, and the humanitarian blockade,” said Nanduhura. She is a mother of five, and her husband, a nurse, died in a drone strike in 2022.

“I now live in constant fear. I worry about being arrested, attacked, or killed because of my professional work. The security situation in our region is extremely concerning,” she added.

In March, Radio Tuungane was bombed twice by drones. Wazalendo militia threatened a staff member over a report that linked them to abuses. Both the government and the rebels have carried out drone strikes this year. This trend poses a growing threat to journalists worldwide.

Nanduhura mentioned she got two threatening calls from men who claimed to be with Wazalendo. Three other local journalists, who spoke to CPJ anonymously for safety reasons, confirmed Nanduhura’s account. A third threat came in a text message seen by CPJ. It seemed to be from Wazalendo or the army, as it mentioned their efforts to regain Minembwe.

Nanduhura said she received her first threat on June 8. This came after she reported that two people had been killed and six injured the day before by government drone strikes in Ilundu locality.

“Keep publishing your stories, and you’ll be killed,” said the caller.

On June 10, a second man named Katete called Nanduhura and told her she would be killed for her report. A WhatsApp message on June 20 said, “Anne, if we retake Minembwe, you will be our woman,” after she reported that the army and Wazalendo were blocking a key supply route.

Journalist Hiding After Wazalendo Threaten to Burn His Station

Zachee Kalume, the director of Radio Faraja, told CPJ he has been in hiding since late June. This is after receiving multiple death threats by phone and text from a Wazalendo leader named Nehémie Ndaheba.

In May, the rebels withdrew from several towns in South Kivu’s Ruzizi Plain, including Sange, where Radio Faraja is based. This allowed government and Wazalendo forces to advance.

On June 1, Mr Ndaheba threatened to burn down the radio station because its reports were harming his militia’s morale. In several messages, he complained about a May 30 order from the government’s Brigadier General Jean-Jacques Ilunga Kabamba. This order instructed Wazalendo fighters to leave Sange so that the army could secure the area.

CPJ reviewed six threatening messages dated June 1, 7, 11, 16, 19, and 28. They also spoke with two other journalists familiar with the case, who asked to remain anonymous for safety. Ndaheba did not respond to CPJ’s requests for comment.