In a fervent plea for media freedom, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to reinstate the operations of Radio Nsenda Muana and release its detained journalists. The call comes after the radio station was indefinitely shut down by local authorities, following a broadcast that criticized a governmental official.

Angela Quintal, CPJ’s regional director, emphasized the essential role of the media in fostering public discourse and criticized the DRC authorities for criminalizing journalism. "DRC authorities should reverse the decision to suspend Radio Nsenda Muana and ensure that journalists are not criminalized for criticizing government officials," Quintal stated.

The controversy began when Radio Nsenda Muana aired a program on July 28, where callers expressed dissatisfaction with Gérard Tshibanda Kabwe, the mayor of Mwene-Ditu. The very next day, Kabwe accused the station of inciting tribal hatred and promoting tax evasion, leading to its closure and the arrest of three journalists on July 31.

Both the Higher Council of Audiovisual and Communication and the Observatory for Press Freedom in Africa (OLPA) have condemned the mayor’s actions. They argue that the suspension obstructs the free flow of information and represents a severe threat to the rights guaranteed under Congolese law and international human rights standards.

Despite the backlash, the mayor maintained his stance, accusing the station of repeated misconduct. However, following considerable pressure, the detained journalists were released on August 4, though the station remains closed.

This incident has drawn international attention, spotlighting the broader human rights challenges in the DRC, particularly amid ongoing conflicts and a worsening humanitarian crisis. The international community continues to call on the DRC to uphold fundamental human rights and protect civil society.

As global voices like CPJ advocate for the journalists and the reopening of Radio Nsenda Muana, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that upholds freedom of expression and the right to information.