Patrick Muyaya Defends Congo’s Press Freedom, Blames M23 Influence

KINSHASA — November 28, 2025 In a detailed response to recent commentary on the Reporters Without Borders (RSF)rankings, Minister of Communication and Government Spokesperson Patrick Muyaya reaffirmed that the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains one of Africa’s fastest-improving countries in media freedom, despite persistent challenges linked to insecurity in the east.

Speaking after receiving an award from Journalistes en Danger (JED) in recognition of the government’s efforts to promote press freedom, Muyaya stressed that critics misread the RSF report, which primarily highlights the deteriorating situation in eastern DRC, a region under constant threat from the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion.

“If there is a decline in ranking, it’s not due to Kinshasa. It’s because of M23, who export the same repressive methods that exist in Rwanda, no freedom, no space for journalists,” Muyaya said.

He underlined that President Félix Tshisekedi has shown unprecedented engagement with the media sector since 2019, citing key milestones such as the General Assembly of the Press, on media modernization and journalist protection, and regular briefings with local and international journalists.

“Never before 2019 had we seen a President so attentive to journalists, so open to dialogue, and so supportive of reforms,” he added.

Muyaya also addressed the temporary suspension of Al Jazeera, clarifying that it followed a violation of accreditation procedures:

“They gave the floor to an individual posing as a journalist, neither recognized by Al Jazeera nor accredited by our press office. The sanction was proportional and time-bound.”

The Minister emphasized that the government’s collaboration with media organizations remains solid and transparent, evidenced by constructive engagements with JED, the press union, and international partners.

“Let’s recognize progress where it exists and confront challenges where they persist. What matters is that Congo continues to move forward.”

The DRC, which has made consistent gains in transparency and access to information, continues to position itself as a regional model of media pluralism and democratic resilience, even as armed propaganda and misinformation remain key challenges in conflict-affected territories.