Christian Bosembe, head of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s media and communications regulator, the Conseil Supérieur de l’Audiovisuel et de la Communication (CSAC), has announced a ban on media coverage of former president Joseph Kabila and the Front pour la Refondation de la Nation (FRN), a political and military movement associated with Kabila and former members of the AFC/M23 coalition.
Bosembe issued the directive on October 19, 2026, warning that media outlets that violate it could face sanctions, including suspension.
The CSAC chief said the restrictions were intended to prevent journalists, political analysts and social media talk-show hosts from producing content that could be interpreted as supporting the movement.
He argued that even organising an interview with Kabila to question him about the allegations against him would be inappropriate, saying that his 18 years as president of the DRC did not justify his subsequent decision to take up arms.
Bosembe said journalists could still report on developments involving the FRN but must pay close attention to the purpose and presentation of their stories.
He warned media organisations against portraying the political and military movement as a legitimate political actor or presenting it in ways that could encourage public support.
“There has been no court ruling on this, but Article 6 of the law governing the media and communications regulator prohibits the media from glorifying crimes and inciting violence. That is why we took this decision,” Bosembe said.
This is not the first time Bosembe has imposed restrictions on media coverage involving Kabila.
In 2025, he also prohibited media outlets from publishing reports considered to give Joseph Kabila and his former political party, the People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), a platform.
He also barred media outlets from reporting that AFC/M23 rebels had defeated government forces on the battlefield.
KIGALI TIMES