Democratic Republic of Congo: Soldiers Severely Beat Marie-Louise Malou Mbela, Arrest The Journalist
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the unlawful physical assault and arrest, demands swift accountability for the officers responsible
Location: Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa
Date: June 28, 2023
A group of no fewer than 12 soldiers belonging to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) apprehended and subjected Marie-Louise Malou Mbela, a journalist working for the state-owned Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC), to physical assault, including punches and belt lashes. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is shocked by the violence and brutal censorship tactics toward journalists. We demand the perpetrators face appropriate consequences for their misconduct, ensuring a clear message that attacks against journalists will not be tolerated.
Marie-Louise Malou Mbela, a journalist working for state-owned RTNC, was beaten and arrested by members of FARDCs Armed Forces on Wednesday, June 28. The incident occurred in Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, while she was reporting on a land dispute.
Mbela had just concluded an interview with a resident — who revealed soldiers acting under the directives of the Minister of Urban Planning and Habitat forcibly expelled him from his residence — when the assault occurred.
Following intervention by the United Nations mission to the DRC, Mbela was released by authorities later that same day. No charges were filed against the reporter.
"The journalists are not involved in this conflict. They only came to cover. Disappointed with the way the FARDC treated the journalists." said Gabriel Kuba, the President of the National Union of the Congo Press.
The Defiant Reality of Press Freedom in the DRC
Journalists and media professionals in the DRC face a multitude of dangers and risks in their line of work, including arrest, intimidation, physical violence, closure of media outlets, looting of media facilities, and murder.
Disseminating messages through the media which are considered discouraging to the armed forces can be met with the punishment of death during armed conflict.
Security forces have been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, yet they largely enjoy complete impunity. This situation underscores the challenging and perilous environment in which journalists operate, where their safety and freedom of expression are constantly under threat.
In the Nord-Kivu region, journalists have been subjected to a disturbing wave of harassment and reprisals since the beginning of 2023, despite a ceasefire. M23 rebels have issued directives to certain media organizations, compelling them to alter their editorial policies.
CFWIJ's Documentation of Media Freedom in DRC
Geonne Djokwa of Congo Lisanga Television was grievously injured and required stretcher transport during the eruption of violent demonstrations. She suffered a severe assault while reporting on the events on May 20th, with blood flowing down her face, as CFWIJ reported.
Notable journalist Sonia Rolley found herself in a perplexing situation on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, when she received a written warrant instructing her to report to the immigration police in Kinshasa. Disturbingly, her passport was confiscated by the authorities, who did not explain their actions. To her surprise, she was abruptly placed on a flight to Paris without being allowed to collect any personal belongings.
On Wednesday, February 17, 2021, CFWIJ documented the case of Nanou Kazaku, a radio journalist stationed in Goma, the capital of North-Kivu province in DRC, who fell victim to a gunshot. Nanou had been reporting on a demonstration occurring in the Keyshero neighborhood when a bullet in the neck struck her. Prompt action was taken, and the journalist was swiftly transported to CBCA hospital for medical attention and treatment of her injuries.
The Coalition for Women in Journalism stands in unwavering solidarity with Marie-Louise Malou Mbela. We express deep concern regarding the appalling acts of violence targeting journalists dedicated to fulfilling their professional duties and providing the public with vital information. The disturbing nature of these vicious attacks, particularly against women journalists, and the prevailing culture of impunity surrounding the authorities' actions are issues that demand urgent attention and rectification.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.