In eastern DRC, journalists face death, arson threats for reporting on war

In eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, journalists are facing life-threatening dangers as they continue to report on the ongoing conflict. Government-aligned Wazalendo militiamen have issued threats against two reporters, warning them of potential death or capture, and even threatening to destroy one journalist's radio station. These threats come amid shifting frontlines in the region, which have intensified due to diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving peace. The situation reflects the volatile nature of the conflict, where all parties involved are increasingly wary of independent media coverage. The conflict in eastern DRC has seen significant changes in recent months. The Rwanda-backed M23 and Congo River Alliance (AFC) rebels, who achieved substantial territorial advances in early 2025, have withdrawn from parts of South Kivu province in May. This retreat followed U.S. sanctions against former Congolese President Joseph Kabila and the Rwandan military, which accused them of supporting the rebel alliance in breach of a fragile peace agreement signed in December. Rwanda has criticized these sanctions as biased and unbalanced. As the front lines shift, the risk for journalists operating in the region has escalated dramatically. For those working on the ground, the changing dynamics of the conflict have heightened the danger of their profession. Journalists are now exposed to greater risks as they cover intense clashes and drone strikes affecting civilian populations. None of the numerous factions engaged in the conflict appears to welcome free and unrestricted reporting. Many journalists have opted to leave the region, while those remaining face threats from both the government and rebel groups. The environment is fraught with tension, making it perilous for anyone attempting to document the unfolding crisis. Anne Nanduhura, a journalist with Radio Tuungane, has experienced firsthand the dangers faced by those reporting on the conflict. She has received multiple threats from individuals claiming affiliation with the Wazalendo militia, warning her that continued reporting could result in her death. Her reports focus on drone strikes, the impact of the conflict on civilians, and the humanitarian challenges posed by blockades. Living in Minembwe, a strategic highland area currently under the control of the Banyamulenge ethnic minority and aligned with the M23/AFC, she faces constant fear of arrest, attack, or worse. Her husband, a nurse, was killed by a drone strike in 2022, adding to the personal stakes of her work. Nanduhura’s experiences are not isolated. Other journalists in the region have also encountered similar threats. In March, Radio Tuungane suffered two drone attacks, and a staff member was threatened for reporting on alleged abuses committed by Wazalendo forces. Both the government and the rebels have conducted high-profile drone strikes this year, marking a worrying trend in global journalism safety. Nanduhura received two threatening calls from individuals identifying themselves as members of the Wazalendo. Additional anonymous sources confirmed her account, reinforcing the gravity of the situation. A text message reviewed by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) appeared to originate from either the Wazalendo or the army, referencing their efforts to reclaim Minembwe. Zachee Kalume, director of Radio Faraja, has taken refuge after receiving multiple death threats from a Wazalendo leader named Nehémie Ndaheba. The rebels' withdrawal from areas such as Sange in South Kivu allowed government and Wazalendo forces to gain ground. On 1 June, Ndaheba threatened to burn down the radio station due to its critical reporting. Kalume has remained in hiding since late June, fearing for his safety. His case underscores the broader pattern of intimidation directed at journalists seeking to inform the public about the escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the region.