A ceasefire between the FARDC and the M23 rebels, who took up arms again in 2021, was supposed to take effect in Nord-Kivu on 7 March. But the journalists who are directly affected have seen no let-up in the fighting, which has also revived tension with neighbouring Rwanda, accused by the Congolese government of backing M23, a charge it denies. Despite the ceasefire, the fighting continues and journalists are threatened by a new wave in the harassment and reprisals to which they have been subjected since the start of February.
M23 threats and reprisals
In mid-February, M23 rebels summoned the heads of broadcast media operating in North Kivu’s capital, Rutshuru, much of which is controlled by M23, according to an RSF source. The rebels accused the media directors of “inciting hatred” and ordered them to change their editorial line.
The rebels banned them from retransmitting Top…
