Tshisekedi orders to push tougher social media governance

The Democratic Republic of Congo is moving to operationalize its 2023 Digital Code as authorities frame social media as a growing driver of disinformation, hate speech, and public disorder part of a wider regional push to tighten governance of online spaces while insisting measures remain anchored in law as cited by actualite.cd.

In directives cited from the 80th Council of Ministers meeting held on February 27, 2026, President Félix Tshisekedi instructed the justice minister and the digital economy minister to propose and implement oversight measures for “responsible, ethical and rational” use of social networks, including where needed proportionate restrictive measures that respect fundamental freedoms.

The same report says Tshisekedi also tasked the communications minister to work with public and private media to keep the Digital Code continuously accessible to the public through tailored awareness campaigns, and asked that magistrates be included under the coordination of the High Council of the Judiciary to support consistent enforcement.

Beyond enforcement, the presidency’s approach is presented as a governance package: education authorities were called on to gradually integrate training modules on responsible digital practices, including social media and artificial intelligence, into teaching and training programs. Ministers were also asked to submit an execution report every 15 days to track actions, results, and obstacles.

The legal anchor for these moves is the Ordonnance-Loi n°23/010 of 13 March 2023 establishing the Digital Code, which lays out the framework for digital services and related offenses and sanctions.

Source:  actualite.cd