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Snapshot 3:Thu, Jun 5, 2025 8:21:47 PM GMT last edited by MalcolmStanding

DR Congo Bans Media Coverage of Ex-President Kabila

DR Congo Bans Media Coverage of Ex-President Kabila

Above: Former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo Joseph Kabila sits in an armchair during a meeting with leaders of various religious denominations at one of his residences in Goma on May 29, 2025. Image copyright: Jospin Mwisha/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Spin

TheThis governmentmedia ban represents necessary action to prevent a former leader accused of treason from undermining national security. Kabila's censorshipappearances in rebel-controlled territory while facing serious allegations of Kabilasupporting demonstratesM23 authoritarianterrorists overreachconstitute thata violatesclear pressprovocation freedomthat andthreatens democraticstate principlesstability. BanningThe coverageformer president has been accused of aserious politicaland figurebrutal withouthuman formalrights chargesviolations, amountsand tothe anworld abusecannot fall for any sort of powercharm thatoffensive couldas increasethe publicDRC interestinvestigates in his activitiescrimes.

The government's censorship of Kabila demonstrates authoritarian overreach that violates press freedom and democratic principles. Banning coverage of a political figure without formal charges amounts to an abuse of power that could increase public interest in his activities. Two wrongs do not make a right, as the current president has also been accused of repression and persecution of dissenters. The aims of this ban are not noble whatsoever.

Metaculus Prediction

There is a 61% chance that the DRC will experience a civil war before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.


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